The Louisiana Workforce Commission’s (LWC) Department of Labor requires nearly all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, but there are some notable exemptions. If you believe you are entitled to workers’ compensation in Louisiana, you will need to ensure that your employer is not exempt by Louisiana law from carrying workers’ compensation insurance.
What is a Worker’s Compensation Exemption in Louisiana?
Almost all employers in Louisiana are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance; money that can be paid out to an employee injured on the job. However, the following employers are exempt from carrying this insurance, and their employees are not covered if they are injured on the job:
- Real estate brokers or sales agents licensed in Louisiana.
- Employees of a private residential household.
- Employees of a private unincorporated farm.
- Musicians and entertainers with performance contracts.
- Employees working in railroads or on trains while engaged in interstate or foreign trade.
- Airplane crews working in dusting or spraying operations.
- Mineral exploration, development and transportation “landmen.”
- Employees covered by the Federal Employees Liability Act, the Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act , and the Jones Act.
Therefore, if you are injured on the job and your employer is included in the above, you will unfortunately not be entitled to any workers’ compensation.
Why Are Some Employers Granted Exemptions to Workers’ Compensation?
Oftentimes, employers will be exempt from carrying workers’ compensation due to the size of their business, or the number of employees their business has. For example, in Louisiana, if the only employee of a company is its owner, the owner would not be required to take out workers’ compensation insurance on themselves. Some independent contractors may be required to carry insurance, and any employers that hire them would not be required to carry workers’ compensation on those independent contractors.
Am I Entitled to Workers Compensation in Louisiana?
If you’ve been seriously injured on the job in any but the above occupations, you are entitled by the Department of Labor law to have your medical expenses, lost income (past, present and future), rehabilitation costs, vocational retraining if necessary and possibly more.
Gordon and Gordon workers’ compensation lawyers have 60 years of combined experience providing vigilant, dedicated assistance to injured employees in the Shreveport area and beyond.
As your workers’ compensation attorney team, we will fight with your employer’s insurance company to acquire the medical care and financial compensation you are legally entitled to. With extensive experience handling thousands of Shreveport workers’ compensation cases, we understand your situation, care about your well-being, and will persistently and aggressively battle for your rights as an injured employee.
While you focus on recovery, Gordon and Gordon will handle all insurance negotiations on your behalf, document your injuries, expenses and lost income and file all the necessary complex forms in a deadline intensive manner so you don’t have to worry or be stressed by the confusing, arduous process. With respect and compassion, we’ll work with you through every step so you’re assured your case is being handled effectively and fairly.
Contact Gordon and Gordon for Worker’s Compensation Claims
Call us today at 318.617.HELP to schedule your no-obligation, free legal consultation in our conveniently located Shreveport office to discuss your unique situation and so we can answer any questions you may have. Or if you prefer, send us a confidential message via our contact form.