Louisiana Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in Louisiana? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Louisiana pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $881/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
Louisiana requires all employers to carry workers' comp. Benefits are 66.67% of AWW with a 1-year filing deadline.
Your Situation
Tell us about your state and wages to calculate your benefits.
Optional — helps calculate your waiting period start date.
Your gross wages for the 13 weeks before injury, divided by 13. Include overtime, bonuses, and tips if they were regular.
Louisiana Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $881/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $176/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 7 days |
| Retroactive After | 14 days |
| Filing Deadline | 365 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 104 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $881/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-225-342-7555 |
Source: Louisiana Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in Louisiana: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$881
Max Weekly Benefit
$881
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
104w
Common Workplace Injuries in Louisiana — Average Compensation
Based on Louisiana's average weekly wage of $881 and the state's 66.7% benefit rate, here are estimated compensation ranges for the most common workplace injuries:
| Injury Type | Avg Medical Cost | Avg Lost Wages | Typical Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back / Spine Injury | $12,174 | $17,621 | $29,795 |
| Shoulder Injury | $9,931 | $12,922 | $22,853 |
| Knee Injury | $8,650 | $10,573 | $19,223 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $7,368 | $9,398 | $16,766 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $4,485 | $6,461 | $10,946 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $5,927 | $8,223 | $14,150 |
| Head / Concussion | $11,053 | $14,097 | $25,150 |
Estimates based on Louisiana 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $881/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $881/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $176/week.Louisiana has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
Louisiana Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in Louisiana vary by industry and job classification. Here are estimated rates per $100 of payroll:
| Job Category | Rate per $100 Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $0.25 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1.50 |
| Healthcare / Nursing | $1.75 |
| Manufacturing | $2.50 |
| Trucking / Delivery | $4.50 |
| Construction (General) | $6.50 |
| Roofing | $12.00 |
Rates are estimates and vary by insurer, experience modifier, and specific classification code. Contact your insurance carrier for exact quotes.
How Much Does Workers Comp Cost Employers in Louisiana?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Louisiana depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical Louisiana businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $280 |
| Retail / Sales | $680 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,200 |
| Healthcare | $1,400 |
| Manufacturing | $2,240 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $3,080 |
| Construction (General) | $4,410 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $10,010 |
*Per-employee estimate based on Louisiana's average weekly wage of $881. Your actual cost varies by carrier, experience modifier, and specific class code.
Need an exact quote? Our workers comp insurance cost calculator estimates your premium based on state, industry, payroll, employee count, and experience modifier.
How Workers' Comp Benefits Are Calculated in Louisiana
In Louisiana, workers' comp benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $881 and the minimum is $176. If you earn $1,200 per week, your calculated benefit is $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week. Since $800 is below the Louisiana maximum, you would receive the full $800.
Louisiana has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin. If your disability lasts more than 14 days, those first 7 days are paid retroactively. Temporary total disability benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
Louisiana also provides supplemental earnings benefits (SEB) if you can return to work but earn less than before your injury. Workers' comp benefits in Louisiana are tax-free.
Louisiana Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •All employers in Louisiana are required to carry workers' comp insurance.
- •Louisiana has a 1-year statute of limitations for filing workers' comp claims.
- •Employees in Louisiana can choose their own treating physician.
- •Benefits are 66.67% of AWW, up to $881 per week.
- •Louisiana provides supplemental earnings benefits for partially disabled workers.
- •Louisiana law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who file claims.
- •Medical treatment in Louisiana requires pre-authorization from the insurer for certain procedures.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Louisiana
- 1Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Louisiana requires prompt reporting for claim protection.
- 2See a doctor of your choosing. Louisiana allows injured workers to select their own physician.
- 3Your employer must file a report with their insurer and the Louisiana Office of Workers' Compensation.
- 4The insurer investigates and accepts or denies the claim. Benefits start after the 7-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, you can file a disputed claim with the Louisiana Office of Workers' Compensation at 1-225-342-7555.
Need help filing? Visit the Louisiana Workers' Comp Board or call 1-225-342-7555 for assistance.
Special Rules in Louisiana
- ⚠All employers must carry coverage
- ⚠Employee can choose own doctor
- ⚠1-year statute of limitations
- ⚠Supplemental earnings benefits for partial disability
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in Louisiana
Settlement amounts in Louisiana vary widely based on injury severity, disability rating, and medical costs. Workers with minor sprains typically settle for $10,000–$30,000, while those with herniated discs or surgical injuries can receive $50,000–$200,000 or more. Use our settlement calculator to estimate your specific case.
Related Resources
Settlement Calculator
Estimate your workers' comp settlement amount
Average Settlement Amounts
See average settlements by injury type and state
How Benefits Are Calculated
Step-by-step formula with examples
Claim Denied?
What to do if your workers' comp is denied
Last updated: April 2026. Data sourced from the Louisiana Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in Louisiana
Need Legal Help With Your Louisiana Claim?
If your claim was denied, your employer is disputing your injury, or you need help negotiating a fair settlement, a workers' comp attorney can help. Most offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing unless you win.
External link to Avvo attorney directory. WorkCompCalc does not endorse or recommend specific attorneys. Always research and interview attorneys before hiring.
Louisiana Workers' Comp FAQ
Louisiana requires all employers to carry workers' comp. Benefits are 66.67% of AWW with a 1-year filing deadline.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in Louisiana change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in Louisiana for advice about your specific situation. Actual benefits depend on your employer's insurance carrier, the nature of your injury, and state law. Data sourced from the Louisiana Workers' Compensation Board. Last updated: January 2026.
Medical disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.