What Is a COLA In Louisiana Workers’ Comp?

If you are a federal employee, you may have heard of COLA, or the Cost of Living Adjustment. While at first it might seem similar to the cost of living adjustments made in social security cases, these are actually two different things. Here’s what to know about COLA in Louisiana and how it might impact your workers’ comp benefits.

Cost Of Living Adustment (COLA) Defined

Government employees in federal positions are covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), which is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Under these statutes, federal employees are entitled to an annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to account for inflation, increased housing costs, and other rising expenses.

When Is COLA Determined?

Every year in March, the Department of Labor conducts a cost of living review and determines what the COLA will be for that year. In 2022, this amount was 5.9% and is expected to increase to 9.1% for 2023.

Although this seems generous, the rate of inflation is at the highest it’s ever been in the past 40 years. More often than not, adjustments to workers’ compensation benefits for increases in the cost of living just aren’t enough to bridge the gap, especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Great Recession.

Who Is Eligible For COLA?

Unfortunately, only federal employees are currently able to receive an adjustment for the increase in the cost of living while receiving workers’ compensation benefits under FECA. Private workers’ comp insurance carriers are not required to conduct cost of living reviews or pay increased benefits when the cost of living inevitably raises.

How a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help You

Navigating federal workers’ comp can be challenging at best. If you’ve been injured on the job as a federal employee, it’s important to act quickly to secure your rights to compensation benefits. Wanko Workers Comp Lawyers is a veteran Louisiana workers’ comp law firm that can help you obtain the benefits you need after a work accident or other on-the-job injury.

Call today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options or to learn more about how to file for federal workers’ comp by calling (985) 202-9907. Our team of work injury professionals are available now to provide you with assistance and will strive to help you obtain the maximum benefits you are eligible for.

Louisiana Workers' Compensation Claims

-20 Years of Professional Experience-

Will My Injury Be Covered?

Workers’ compensation covers both mental and physical injuries and occupational diseases.

Under Louisiana law, an accident refers to anything that is unexpected, unforeseen and occurs suddenly or violently – producing an injury.

The injury:

may or may not produce a disabling condition
may allow you to still work
may take you out of work

Generally, your compensation will not be affected depending upon who was at fault for the accident.

An occupational disease or illness is covered if it is the direct result of exposure to hazardous or toxic materials in the workplace. If you work in Louisiana’s oil and gas or chemical and petrochemical industries, you are at a greater risk to develop serious health conditions.

Common injuries suffered on the job include, but are not limited to:

Heavy Equipment Injuries

Amputation Injuries

Neck Injuries

Back Injuries

Louisiana Workers' Comp Benefits

Will My Injury Be Covered?

In Louisiana, most workers are covered under Workers’ Compensation Statutes on the first day that they begin employment. These benefits extend to all workers whether they are employed full-time, part-time or seasonally.

Additionally, employees who are minors are also covered to the same degree as if they were adults.

Primary Types of Benefits:

Indemnity/Lost Wages — weekly payments based upon your average weekly wage; you will receive 66% of your average weekly wage capped at a maximum rate

Medical and/or Death — covers all necessary and reasonable medical treatment, including doctors visits, diagnostic tests, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, etc.

Mileage Reimbursement — travel related expenses to and from health care provider, pharmacy, etc. Vocational Rehabilitation program designed to retrain you in an attempt to return you to work for your previous employer, or find new work.

Contact Louisiana Workers' Comp

Whether you have suffered an immediate injury or have endured a long-term disability or chronic illness, you deserve to have the support you need to recover. Our work injury attorneys will provide you with nothing less than compassionate understanding and exceptional legal counsel.

We’re eager to start advocating on your behalf.

CALL US (985) 893-6530

Wanko Workers' Comp Lawyers provides its service in New Orleans, Covington, Houma, Thibodaux, Mandeville and all across Louisiana

(985) 893-6530

Covington Location

19295 N 3rd St Ste 1
Covington, Louisiana 70433

New Orleans Location

1140 St. Charles Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Thibodaux Location

406 West 3rd Street, STE 105
Thibodaux, Louisiana 70301

Disclaimer: The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. This information on this website is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute an attorney client relationship. We are workers compensation attorneys serving the entire New Orleans area including Larose, Golden, Meadow, Thibodaux, Houma, Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Metairie, Belle Chasse, Elmwood, Boutte, Harahan, Destrehan, River Ridge, Raceland, Slidell, Kenner and all of Louisiana. We serve St. Tammany Parish, Livingston Parish, Orleans Parish, and Jefferson Parish.