Frequently Asked Questions for injured workers in Louisiana

1. What benefits am I entitled to?

   If your injury or illness is found to be job related, you might be entitled to receive medical care for the injury or illness, disability payments for a portion of your lost wages, rehabilitation services and in the event of death, benefits payable to dependant survivors.
   
    

2. What happens if my claim is denied?

   One option is filing a Disputed Claim for Compensation form through your local OWC District. This process typically takes six to nine months or longer if the case is appealed.
   
    

3. What is a lump-sum settlement?

   A lump-sum settlement is when the insurer/employer agrees to pay the present value of the disputed claim at once, and his/her future obligations to the injured worker are fully and finally released. To determine the value of the sum of payments owed, the claim may not be discounted at a rate greater than 8 percent per annum.
   
    

4. I am not getting my check. What should I do?

   First, contact your employer or your employer's insurance carrier. If you still experience problems, contact the nearest workers' compensation district office, where you might decide to file a disputed claim for compensation.
   
    

5. When will I be paid?

   Your initial payment should be paid on the 14th day after your employer has knowledge of your injury resulting in loss of income. There is a seven-day waiting period during which you will not be paid benefits. However, if you miss more than 42 consecutive days, you will be paid for the seven-day waiting period.
   
    

6. How much are wage payments?

   Benefits are calculated at 66 2/3 percent of the injured worker’s average weekly wage, not to exceed a maximum rate as set by state law. Workers’ compensation payments are tax-free.
   
    

7. How often will I receive a check?

   Every week when receiving total disability payments. Supplemental earnings benefits are usually paid once a month.
   
    

8. Can I be reimbursed for mileage?

   All related expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred for obtaining services, medicines and prosthetic devices should be paid. You should submit appropriate itemization to your workers' compensation insurance carrier or adjuster.
   
    

9. Can I choose my own doctor?

   An injured employee has the right to select one treating physician in any field or specialty deemed medically necessary. After the initial choice, the employee shall obtain prior consent from the insurer for any change of treating physician within that same field or specialty.
   
    

10. I keep receiving medical bills for my claim. What should I do with them?

    All medical bills should be sent to the compensation insurance carrier.
    
     

Frequently Asked Questions for injured workers in Arkansas

1. What benefits am I entitled to?

   If your injury or illness is found to be job-related, you may be entitled to receive medical care for the injury or illness, disability payments for a portion of your lost wages, rehabilitation services and in the event of death, benefits payable to dependant survivors.

2. What happens if my claim is denied?

   One option is filing a “Form C” claim for compensation through the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission.
   
    

3. What is a lump-sum settlement?

   A lump-sum settlement is when the insurer/employer agrees to pay the present value of the disputed claim at once, and his/her future obligations to the injured workers are fully and finally released.
   
   
   
    

4. I am not getting my check. What should I do?

   First, contact your employer or your employer's insurance carrier. If you cannot resolve the problem, contact the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission, where you may want to file a “Form C” claim for compensation.
   
    

5. When will I be paid?

   The first payment of wage benefits is due to the injured employee on the 15th day following knowledge/proof of disability. There is a seven-day waiting period in Arkansas. If the disability continues for 14 days, the injured employee will be entitled to wage benefits for the first seven days. 
   
    

6. How much are wage payments?

   Benefits are calculated at 66 2/3 percent of the injured worker’s average weekly wage not to exceed a maximum rate as set by state law. Workers’ compensation payments are tax-free.
   
    

7. How often will I receive a check?

   Every other week.
   
    

8. Can I be reimbursed for mileage?

   All related expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred for obtaining services, medicines and prosthetic devices should be paid. You should submit appropriate itemization to your workers' compensation insurance carrier or adjuster.
   
    

9. Can I choose my own doctor?

   An injured employee will be treated by a physician chosen by the employer or insurance carrier. If you are not pleased with the assigned physician, you may request a change through your adjuster. This change must be approved before you can begin treatment with a new physician. You may also write to the Workers Compensation Commission to request a change of physician. 
   
    

10. I keep receiving medical bills for my claim. What should I do with them?

    All medical bills should be sent to the compensation insurance carrier.
    
     

Frequently Asked Questions for injured workers in Mississippi

1. What benefits am I entitled to?

   If your injury or illness is found to be job-related, you may be entitled to medical care for the injury or illness, disability payments for a portion of your lost wages, rehabilitation services and, in the event of death, benefits payable to dependant survivors.
   
    

2. What happens if my claim is denied?

   One option is filing a petition to controvert with Form B-5, 11 through the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission.
   
    

3. What is a lump-sum settlement?

   A lump-sum settlement is when the insurer/employer agrees to pay the present value of the disputed claim at once, and his/her future obligations to an injured worker is fully and finally released.
   
    

4. I am not getting my check. What should I do?

   First, you should contact your employer or your employer's insurance carrier. If you cannot resolve the problem with them, you should contact the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. You may want to file a Petition to Controvert with Form B-5, 11.
   
    

5. When will I be paid?

   The first payment of wage benefits is due to the injured employee on the 14th day following knowledge/proof of disability. Wage benefits are then paid bi-weekly. There is a five-day waiting period in Mississippi. If the disability continues for 14 days, the injured employee will be entitled to wage benefits for the first five days.
   
    

6. How much are wage payments?

   Benefits are calculated at 66 2/3 percent of the injured worker’s average weekly wage not to exceed a maximum rate set by state law. Workers’ compensation payments are tax-free.

7. How often will I receive a check?

   Every other week.
   
    

8. Can I be reimbursed for mileage?

   All related expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred for obtaining services, medicines and prosthetic devices should be paid. You should submit appropriate itemization to your workers' compensation insurance carrier or adjuster.
   
    

9. Can I choose my own doctor?

   The employer will direct the initial treatment following an injury. Injured employees can choose treatment with the employer’s choice of physician or one of their choosing. Choice of physician must be made in writing. Any change in treating physicians must be pre-approved by the employer/carrier. If choice is denied, the injured employee may apply to the Workers’ Compensation Commission for approval of a change in physician. 
   
    

10. I keep receiving medical bills for my claim. What should I do with them?

    All medical bills should be sent to the compensation insurance carrier.
    
     

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