Free Louisiana workers comp settlement calculator for 2026. Louisiana uses a unique Supplemental Earnings Benefits system up to 520 weeks and $50,000 catastrophic injury payments.
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No fake verdicts, invented averages, or testimonials. Dollar examples are hypothetical only. Verify rates with Louisiana Workforce Commission, Office of Workers' Compensation.
Louisiana workers' compensation operates under a system influenced by the state's civil-law tradition, producing rules that differ meaningfully from common-law states across the South. The most distinctive feature is Supplemental Earnings Benefits (SEB), which provides up to 520 weeks of partial wage replacement when a worker can return to some employment but earns less than 90 percent of pre-injury wages. Louisiana also provides a one-time $50,000 payment to workers who sustain catastrophic injuries such as paraplegia, amputation above the wrist or ankle, severe brain injury, or total blindness.
| Rule | Louisiana (LA) |
|---|---|
| TTD rate | 66 2/3% of AWW |
| Max weekly formula | 75% of SAWW |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Retroactive threshold | 6 weeks / 42 days (one of the longer retroactive thresholds nationally) |
| Statute of limitations | 1 year for indemnity claims; 3 years for medical-only |
| Notice | 30 days to employer |
| System | Administrative (Office of Workers' Compensation judges) |
| Settlement approval | Court approval required; Workers' Compensation Judge reviews all compromise terms |
| Doctor choice | Employee chooses from insurer-approved panel or approved physician list |
| Coverage threshold | 1+ employees |
| Governing law | La. R.S. 23:1021 et seq. |
| Notable rule | Supplemental Earnings Benefits (SEB) up to 520 weeks plus a $50,000 one-time catastrophic injury payment are unique to Louisiana. |
Under La. R.S. 23:1221, TTD pays 66 2/3 percent of the injured worker's average weekly wage, capped at 75 percent of the state average weekly wage. The 7-day waiting period is standard, but Louisiana's retroactive threshold of 6 weeks (42 days) is one of the longest in the country. A worker must be disabled for at least 42 continuous days before the first 7 days are compensated retroactively.
Louisiana also recognizes Supplemental Earnings Benefits (SEB). SEB is triggered when the worker reaches maximum medical improvement and can earn some wages but less than 90 percent of pre-injury earnings. The SEB rate is 66 2/3 percent of the difference between pre-injury wages and current earning capacity. This benefit can last up to 520 weeks (FindLaw confirmed), making it a significant component of Louisiana settlement valuations.
Scheduled weeks for permanent partial disability. Verify with Louisiana Workforce Commission, Office of Workers' Compensation.
| Body part | Weeks |
|---|---|
| Thumb | 50 |
| Index finger | 25 |
| Middle finger | 20 |
| Ring finger | 15 |
| Little finger | 10 |
| Hand | 150 |
| Arm | 200 |
| Great toe | 20 |
| Foot | 125 |
| Leg | 175 |
| Eye | 100 |
| Hearing (one ear) | 50 |
| Hearing (both) | 150 |
Educational estimate only. Verify rates with Louisiana Workforce Commission, Office of Workers' Compensation.
No other state in this group uses a system like Louisiana's SEB. In most states, once a worker reaches MMI and has a permanent impairment rating, the benefit shifts to scheduled PPD payments. Louisiana adds the SEB layer, which looks at actual earning capacity rather than anatomical impairment alone. A worker with a modest impairment rating but whose injury prevents return to pre-injury employment can receive SEB at 66 2/3 percent of the wage differential for up to 520 weeks (10 years).
SEB increases potential insurer exposure, which can produce larger settlement offers when return-to-work prospects are limited. However, the worker must demonstrate that reduced earnings are caused by the work injury, not by economic conditions or unrelated health problems.
Louisiana provides a one-time $50,000 payment for injuries classified as catastrophic under La. R.S. 23:1221(4)(s) (FindLaw confirmed). Qualifying injuries include paraplegia, quadriplegia, amputation above the wrist or ankle, total loss of vision in both eyes, and severe traumatic brain injury. This payment is in addition to regular benefits. The catastrophic classification also affects medical treatment rights and vocational rehabilitation eligibility.
FindLaw confirmed that loss of a thumb in Louisiana is compensated at 66 2/3 percent of average weekly wages for 50 weeks under the scheduled-loss provisions. This is the only specific body-part week count independently verified through the FindLaw fetch for this page. Other schedule entries are cited from La. R.S. 23:1221(4) and should be verified against the current statute.
Louisiana requires Workers' Compensation Judge approval for all compromise settlements. The process typically involves mediation before a formal settlement is presented. Louisiana's 1-year statute of limitations for indemnity claims (3 years for medical-only) creates urgency: a worker who delays filing risks losing indemnity benefits entirely. This shortened deadline is a frequent source of claim denials.
Settlements can be lump-sum or structured. In catastrophic injury cases, structured settlements with future medical allocations are common. Burial expenses are capped at $8,500 (FindLaw confirmed).
Under La. R.S. 23:1121, the employee may select a physician from the employer's or insurer's panel of approved doctors. If the employer does not provide a panel, the worker has broader choice. One change of physician is allowed within the approved list; additional changes require judge approval.
Louisiana has adopted Medical Treatment Guidelines that standardize the scope and duration of treatment. Disputes are resolved through utilization review. Emergency treatment is covered regardless of physician selection.
SEB provides 66 2/3 percent of the difference between pre-injury wages and current earning capacity for up to 520 weeks. It applies when a worker reaches MMI and can earn some wages but less than 90 percent of pre-injury earnings.
A $50,000 one-time payment for qualifying injuries including paraplegia, quadriplegia, amputation above the wrist or ankle, total blindness, or severe traumatic brain injury. This is in addition to regular benefits.
One year from the date of injury for indemnity claims. Three years for medical-only claims. This is shorter than the 2-year standard used by most states in this group.
Seven days, with a 42-day retroactive threshold. Only if disability lasts 42 or more days are the first 7 days paid retroactively.
You may choose from the employer's or insurer's panel of approved physicians. If no panel is provided, you have broader choice. One change is allowed; additional changes require judge approval.
Fifty weeks at 66 2/3 percent of average weekly wages under La. R.S. 23:1221(4). This was verified through FindLaw's Louisiana page.
No. SettlementCalculator.xyz is operated by Mustafa Bilgic, a non-attorney individual operator. Consult a licensed Louisiana attorney for legal advice.
Yes. Louisiana requires virtually all employers with one or more employees to carry coverage, the most inclusive threshold in this region.