How Much Workers' Comp Pays in Louisiana

Temporary total disability is 66 2/3% of the worker's average weekly wage, subject to the state maximum and minimum. TTD is not paid if the worker is doing any work, and otherwise requires clear and convincing proof that the worker cannot do any work. It ends when the condition has stabilized enough to rate the disability and regular treatment is no longer needed. A worker who returns to work but cannot earn at least 90% of the pre-injury wage may receive supplemental earnings benefits of 66 2/3% of the wage difference, for up to 520 weeks.

For workers injured September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027, the maximum weekly compensation is $903.00 and the minimum is $241.00, based on a state average weekly wage of $1,204.02. By law the maximum is 75% of the state average weekly wage and the minimum for total disability is 20%. The limits in effect on the date of the accident apply for the whole claim and are not adjusted later. Mileage for medical travel is reimbursed at $0.76 per mile (effective July 1, 2026).

Temporary total disability benefits have no fixed week limit; they stop when the worker's physical condition has resolved itself to the point that continued, regular treatment by a physician is no longer required. Permanent total disability benefits have no stated week limit. Supplemental earnings benefits (for a worker who can return to some work at reduced earnings) can never exceed 520 weeks in total, and they also end after any two-year period following the end of temporary total disability during which they were not paid for at least 13 consecutive weeks. Permanent partial disability benefits for the loss or loss of use of a body part are paid for a set number of weeks from a schedule (for example, 150 weeks for the loss of a hand), with a general limit of 100 weeks for certain other permanent impairments not on the schedule.

No compensation is paid for the first week after the injury. If the disability lasts two weeks or longer after the accident, the first week is paid after the first two weeks have passed. The first payment of temporary total, permanent total or death benefits is due on the 14th day after the employer or insurer learns of the injury or death.

Louisiana pays permanent total disability at 66 2/3% of wages only when the worker proves by clear and convincing evidence that he or she cannot do any work. Permanent partial disability is paid only for amputation or anatomical loss of use of listed body parts, at 66 2/3% of wages for a set number of weeks (for example, thumb 50 weeks, hand 150, arm 200, foot 125, leg 175, eye 100), reduced in proportion for partial loss as rated under the latest AMA Guides. Up to 100 weeks may be awarded for serious permanent disfigurement, certain hearing loss, or serious impairment of the respiratory, digestive or genito-urinary systems. Most permanent work restrictions are compensated instead through supplemental earnings benefits (up to 520 weeks). OWCA states a one-time $50,000 payment is made for catastrophic injuries such as paraplegia or loss of both hands, arms, feet, legs or eyes.