State News : Louisiana

NWCDN is a network of law firms dedicated to protecting employers in workers’ compensation claims.


NWCDN Members regularly post articles and summary judgements in workers’ compensations law in your state.  


Select a state from the dropdown menu below to scroll through the state specific archives for updates and opinions on various workers’ compensation laws in your state.


Contact information for NWCDN members is also located on the state specific links in the event you have additional questions or your company is seeking a workers’ compensation lawyer in your state.


Louisiana

DEGAN, BLANCHARD & NASH PLC

  504-529-3337

 Louisiana has adopted certain Medical Treatment Guidelines with the purpose of assisting with the decision making process regarding proposed medical treatment for injured workers. The Medical Treatment Guidelines have been effective for several years.   For any dispute as to whether the recommended care or treatment is in accordance with the medical treatment schedule, or whether a variance from the medical treatment schedule is reasonably required, any aggrieved party may file a Disputed Claim for Medical Treatment appeal with the Office of Workers’ Compensation Medical Director. 

This process was challenged by a group of claimants and their attorneys, under constitutional grounds.  Unfortunately, in March of 2017, a district judge granted this challenge to the medical director system, finding the process unconstitutional, and enjoining the OWC from applying the regulations.  The OWC then filed a suspensive appeal, and the issue is currently awaiting review by the proper appellate court.  The OWC has resumed the medical review process during the pendency of the appeal.  However, the future of the process is uncertain.  We will monitor this issue on an ongoing basis.