TERMINATION OF LOUISIANA WORKERS COMPENSATION BENEFITS

Contrary to what many people believe:

• Your Louisiana Workers Compensation benefits often can be terminated while you are still under active medical care.
   
• Your employer usually is not required to obtain the approval of the Louisiana Office of Workers Compensation before terminating your benefits.

One of our primary goals is to have your Louisiana Workers Compensation income benefits and medical benefits continue without interruption until you either return to work or settle your claim. There are many things that you can do to improve your chances of receiving benefits on a regular basis, including attending all of your medical appointments.

Unfortunately, Louisiana Workers Compensation insurance companies will sometimes terminate your income or medical benefits based solely upon the results of a limited examination performed by a doctor they selected for a Second Medical Opinion. If the insurance company is able to obtain a report from their doctor that says you can go back to work, they may terminate your benefits even though your treating physician continues to withhold you from work. 

You have many options in such a situation, including:

• Negotiate reinstatement of your benefits.
• Request an Independent Medical Examination.
• File a claim with the Louisiana Office of Workers Compensation.
• Return to work in a restricted capacity to more precisely determine your specific limitations.
• Get additional medical evidence to support your claim.