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Labor & employment
Louisiana · Workers’ compensation

Filing a workers’ comp claim in Louisiana.

Administered by the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Office of Workers' Compensation Administration. Primary form: Form 1008 — Disputed Claim for Compensation.

Reporting deadline
30 days from date of injury (notify employer)
Filing deadline
1 year from date of injury or last benefit
Waiting period
7 days, retroactive after 14 days

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Louisiana State Board

Agency
Louisiana Workforce Commission, Office of Workers' Compensation Administration
Primary claim form
Form 1008 — Disputed Claim for Compensation

Deadlines at a glance

Reporting deadline

30 days from date of injury (notify employer)

Report to your employer first. Put it in writing — email, text, or signed letter. Missing this window can reduce or eliminate benefits.

Filing deadline

1 year from date of injury or last benefit

File Form 1008 — Disputed Claim for Compensation with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Office of Workers' Compensation Administration before this window closes.

Waiting period for income benefits

7 days, retroactive after 14 days

Medical benefits typically begin immediately. The waiting period applies to wage-replacement (TTD/TPD) benefits only.

Louisiana-specific notes

LSA-R.S. 23:1031 et seq.

Federal programs that may apply

The Louisiana program covers most private-sector workers. Three federal programs run in parallel for specific worker categories:

  • FECA — Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. Covers civilian federal employees. Filed through the US DOL, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.
  • LHWCA — Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Covers maritime workers (longshoremen, shipbuilders, harbor workers) on navigable US waters.
  • Jones Act — 46 U.S.C. § 30104. Covers seamen injured in the course of employment. Provides a negligence cause of action and maintenance and cure rights outside the state WC system.

Need help with more than the notice letter?

Disputed claims, denial appeals, permanent disability ratings, and third-party tort claims alongside workers’ comp require sustained documentation. SynthCounsel’s Case Pass gives you unlimited documents, deadline tracking, and AI-assisted brief building for 12 months.

Workers’ comp guides for other states

This is general information, not legal advice. Workers’ compensation rules change frequently. Confirm the current form, deadlines, and benefits framework with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Office of Workers' Compensation Administration or a licensed Louisiana attorney before filing.