If you've been hurt on the job in Louisiana and you're driving yourself to doctor visits, therapy sessions, or the pharmacy, your employer's workers' comp insurer likely owes you money for every mile you drive. Many injured workers never collect what they're owed - and some get shortchanged for years without realizing it. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about workers comp mileage reimbursement in Louisiana, including current rates, what trips qualify, how to submit claims, and what to do when an insurer won't pay.

Key Takeaways

Louisiana workers compensation law protects injured workers who must travel for medical care related to a workplace injury. Here are the most important points covered in this guide:

• Under Louisiana law (La. R.S. 23:1203(D)), employers must reimburse mileage for medical appointments, pharmacy visits, diagnostic testing, and vocational rehabilitation tied to a compensable work injury.

• The Louisiana workers comp mileage rate mirrors the state employee mileage rate. Mileage incurred in 2025 must be reimbursed at $0.70 per mile. Louisiana's mileage reimbursement rate is $0.725 per mile for 2026 (January 1 through June 30), and the rate increases to $0.76 per mile effective July 1, 2026.

• Wrong mileage rates, late payments, or refusals to pay mileage reimbursement can trigger statutory penalties and attorney's fees under Louisiana workers compensation law.

• Mileage must be reasonably and necessarily incurred to be eligible for reimbursement - ordinary commuting to a job site does not qualify.

• You do not need a specific state form; employees must keep a detailed log of travel including date, purpose, and round-trip mileage to support their claim, and should promptly report the workplace injury so the mileage request is tied to an opened workers compensation claim.

Schwartz Law Firm helps injured workers across Greater New Orleans and statewide recover unpaid mileage and other workers compensation benefits. If you believe you're owed money, call (504) 837-2263 or message us online for a free consultation.

How Workers' Comp Mileage Reimbursement Works in Louisiana

Mileage reimbursement is not a bonus or a discretionary perk. It is a legally required part of the medical benefits an employer must provide under Louisiana workers compensation. When you are injured at work, your employer (through its insurance carrier) is obligated to cover the cost of your medical treatment - and that includes the expense of getting to and from that treatment in your personal vehicle.

Who qualifies? Any injured worker with an accepted or even disputed workers compensation claim who travels for reasonably necessary medical care, diagnostics, physical therapy, pharmacy visits, or vocational rehabilitation tied to their work injury. This right applies to both private and public sector Louisiana workers, including those in construction, the service industry, plant work, maritime support roles, and other high-risk jobs.

The employer or its workers comp insurer is responsible for paying this mileage - not your treating physician or the hospital billing office. Louisiana requires mileage reimbursement for injured workers' medical travel as a standalone obligation under the law.

Chris Schwartz, the founder of Schwartz Law Firm, used to work as a workers' compensation claims adjuster at Travelers before becoming a plaintiff's attorney. That experience gives him firsthand knowledge of how insurers handle - and often mishandle - mileage reimbursement.

Louisiana Workers' Compensation Law on Mileage (La. R.S. 23:1203(D))

La. R.S. 23:1203(D) is the statute that creates the legal right to mileage reimbursement for injured workers in Louisiana. It requires employers and their insurers to reimburse "actual expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred" for mileage reasonably and necessarily traveled to obtain medical services, medicines, prosthetic devices, and vocational rehabilitation ordered by the employer.

Louisiana courts treat mileage reimbursement as a mandatory obligation. It is not something the insurer can pick and choose to pay. When the employee uses his own vehicle, the statute says he "shall be reimbursed at the same rate per mile as established by the state of Louisiana for reimbursement of state employees for use of their personal vehicle on state business." The Office of Workers Compensation Administration is required to inform the employee of this right. Disputed reimbursement issues can be brought before the Louisiana Office of Workers' Compensation.

Non-payment, underpayment, or unreasonable delay in paying mileage can lead to penalties and attorney's fees under Louisiana law - making it risky for insurers to ignore these obligations. Workers compensation judges have repeatedly enforced this provision, even when the amounts in dispute were small.

Current Louisiana Workers' Comp Mileage Rate (and How It's Set)

The workers comp mileage rate in Louisiana changes periodically and mirrors the state employee mileage rate set by the Louisiana Division of Administration through its official travel policy (PPM-49) and Executive Orders. Injured workers are reimbursed at the same rate as state employees for personal vehicle use on state business.

Here are the recent rates you need to know:

• 2025: $0.70 per mile for travel on or after January 1, 2025 and before January 1, 2026.

• January 1 – June 30, 2026: The reimbursement rate for injured employees is 72.5 cents per mile in 2026 ($0.725), as published by the Louisiana Division of Administration.

• July 1, 2026 onward: $0.76 per mile, confirmed by the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

Many insurers still mistakenly pay older, lower rates after a rate change takes effect. For a worker attending three therapy appointments per week, even a few cents per mile can add up to hundreds of dollars over the course of a claim. If you suspect you were paid at the wrong mileage rate - or not paid mileage at all - contact Schwartz Law Firm at (504) 837-2263.

What Trips Qualify for Workers' Comp Mileage Reimbursement in Louisiana?

Only medical-related, claim-related travel qualifies for reimbursement. Ordinary commuting to a regular job site does not. Road trips for reimbursement include round trips to authorized medical appointments and therapy sessions. Here are the specific types of covered trips:

• Travel to and from authorized treating physicians and specialists

• Travel to hospitals or surgery centers for surgical treatment or other procedures related to the work injury

• Trips to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management appointments

• Travel for MRI, CT, X-ray, EMG, and other diagnostic testing ordered for the injury

• Visits to pharmacies to fill prescriptions related to the work injury

• Travel to vocational rehabilitation evaluations or job placement meetings arranged under Louisiana workers compensation

• Travel to an Independent Medical Examination (IME) required by the insurer

In most cases, only the shortest reasonable route is reimbursable. However, longer routes can be justified - for example, when a bridge is closed, a specialty provider is located in another parish, or the company doctor directs you to a distant facility. If the insurer forces you to attend an IME, the mileage for that trip should be reimbursed at the same rate.

When another person must drive the injured worker - for example, after surgery or while on strong medication - the mileage incurred is typically still owed. Insurers sometimes argue against these trips, so careful documentation is essential.

What Mileage Reimbursement Does NOT Cover

Understanding what falls outside the scope of workers comp mileage reimbursement helps you avoid disputes and disappointment:

• Normal commuting from home to the job site and back is not covered.

• Purely personal errands run before or after a medical appointment - detours for shopping, meals, or visiting friends - are not reimbursable.

• Leisure travel or out-of-state trips unrelated to approved medical treatment are not payable, even if you happen to see a doctor while away.

• The law generally reimburses mileage for personal vehicles, not luxury transportation costs (such as upgraded air travel) unless medically necessary and pre-approved.

• In cases like Lambert v. Brookshire, mileage was denied where the record did not establish that the medical services were treatment for the compensable injury.

If a trip is not medically necessary or not related to the work injury, it will not qualify regardless of how carefully you document it.

How to Calculate Workers' Comp Mileage in Louisiana

You do not need advanced math - just an accurate mileage calculation backed by consistent records of each medical trip. Here is a simple method:

1. Record your odometer reading at the start and end of each trip, or use an online map (Google Maps, MapQuest) to calculate the round-trip mileage between your home and the provider's address.

2. Multiply your total round-trip miles by the applicable mileage rate on the date of travel. For example, 40 miles round trip × $0.725 = $29.00.

3. Separate mileage totals by date range when rates change mid-year. Keep separate entries for trips before and after July 1, 2026, to avoid blended-rate errors and to apply the correct rates.

Example: If you drive 30 miles round trip to therapy three times per week for 10 weeks in early 2026 (at $0.725/mile), that equals 900 miles × $0.725 = $652.50. If the insurer pays the old $0.70 rate instead, you are being shortchanged by $22.50 - and the gap grows with every additional trip.

Document mileage totals clearly by trip date and rate period to help avoid underpayment. A simple written mileage log with columns for date, provider name, addresses, purpose of visit, and miles driven makes it much harder for insurers to dispute your claim.

How to Submit a Mileage Reimbursement Claim in a Louisiana Workers' Comp Case

Each insurer may have its own form, but the basic process is similar statewide under Louisiana workers compensation. There is no single mandatory state form for mileage reimbursement; insurers provide their own forms. If no form is available, your own detailed log will work.

Typical submission steps:

1. Complete the insurer's mileage reimbursement form, if provided, or prepare your own log. Documentation should include names of providers and addresses along with total miles traveled.

2. Attach copies of appointment cards, visit summaries, or other proof of medical appointments related to your injury, if available.

3. Total the mileage for each rate period and clearly label date ranges (e.g., "Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2026 at $0.725/mile"). Separate mileage submissions by date to apply correct rates.

4. Submit your mileage claim directly to the adjuster, through your lawyer, or by mail, fax, or email to the insurer's claims office.

Submit monthly or quarterly to stay on top of your reimbursement and avoid large backlogs. Always keep copies of everything you send. If the process feels overwhelming - especially when you're dealing with an injury, medical care, and possibly supplemental earnings benefits or average weekly wage disputes - let Schwartz Law Firm handle the submissions and follow-up for you.

Payment Timing, Underpayment, and Penalties for Late Mileage in Louisiana

Louisiana workers compensation law expects prompt reimbursement once proper mileage documentation is provided. Insurers usually process claims within 60 days of receiving documented requests for reimbursement. When they don't, the consequences can be significant.

Under La. R.S. 23:1201, if the insurer fails to reimburse medical benefits - including mileage - within 60 days from written notice, the workers compensation judge can impose statutory penalties and reasonable attorney fees. These apply when the failure to pay is found to be arbitrary, capricious, or without reasonable justification.

Typical problem patterns:

• Insurer sits on mileage requests for months without responding

• Insurer uses an old mileage rate after a new rate takes effect

• Insurer pays mileage for some trips while denying others with no clear explanation

In Guillory v. Bofinger Tree Service, the unpaid mileage was only thirty-nine cents - the insurer had failed to update from $0.32 to $0.34 per mile after a rate change. The court still awarded penalties and attorney fees. This case proves that mileage reimbursement disputes can lead to statutory penalties for employers, even over small amounts.

Employers and insurers should train staff annually on mileage reimbursement updates for compliance, account for rate changes, and review mileage submissions promptly to ensure compliance with current rates and deadlines.

If your insurer is dragging its feet or paying the wrong amount, call (504) 837-2263 for a free review of your mileage history and potential penalty claim.

Mileage Reimbursement vs. IRS Rate and Tax Issues

The IRS standard mileage rate and the Louisiana state employee/workers' comp mileage rate are two different things. The IRS rate is used mainly for tax deductions and business reimbursement policies. The Louisiana workers comp mileage rate is set by the state Division of Administration, not by the IRS - even though both may change in response to fuel prices.

Louisiana does not mandate a mileage reimbursement rate for private employers outside the workers' comp context. A private employer may choose to follow the IRS rate, the Louisiana state rate, or its own policy for general business mileage. But for workers compensation claims, the state employee rate is the legally required minimum.

For most injured workers, mileage reimbursement benefits under Louisiana workers compensation are not taxable income. However, you should consult a tax professional for questions specific to your situation, since other benefits like indemnity payments or excess reimbursement may have different tax treatment.

An experienced attorney can help ensure that the correct workers' comp mileage rate - not just the IRS rate - is applied to each period of travel.

Recordkeeping Tips for Injured Workers Tracking Mileage

Good records significantly increase your chance of full and timely mileage reimbursement under Louisiana workers compensation. Without documentation, insurers have cover to deny or discount your claim. Cases like Ebarb v. Boise Cascade show that a list of dates and miles without testimony or proof can be insufficient.

Keep a dedicated mileage notebook or simple spreadsheet with these columns:

• Date of travel

• Medical provider or pharmacy name

• Purpose of visit (e.g., follow-up appointment, physical therapy, diagnostic testing)

• Start and end addresses

• Round-trip miles

Save appointment reminders, discharge instructions, and receipts from pharmacies as backup proof. Smartphone map screenshots or mileage-tracking apps can support your figures, but clear written logs remain important.

Bring your mileage logs to your initial or follow-up consultation with Schwartz Law Firm. The team can quickly calculate what you're owed and identify any underpayments or missed rate changes.

Special Situations: Long-Distance Travel, Transfers, and Changing Doctors

Many Louisiana workers must travel long distances for specialist care, especially in rural parishes or for complex injuries that require surgical treatment at a regional medical center. Long-distance mileage is often justified in these situations:

• No appropriate specialist is available in the injured worker's parish

• The employer or insurer authorizes a particular doctor in another city (e.g., New Orleans or Baton Rouge)

• The worker must travel for surgery at a university hospital or regional center

Louisiana workers comp rules allow injured workers to choose their own treating physician in certain circumstances. A change of doctor can impact where you travel - and therefore your mileage. Insurers frequently argue that a closer provider was available, but courts have rejected this argument when the facts support the worker's choice.

In Rogillio v. Avizent & SNL Distribution Services, the First Circuit reversed a summary judgment that had denied reimbursement simply because the treatment was outside the claimant's parish. The court held that the insurer must show the travel was not reasonably and necessarily traveled - not the other way around.

Chris Schwartz routinely litigates these issues before workers compensation judges across Orleans, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, St. James, Ascension, Lafourche, Terrebonne, and other Louisiana parishes.

How Schwartz Law Firm Helps with Workers' Comp Mileage Disputes

Mileage disputes are often a warning sign of larger problems in a Louisiana workers comp claim. When an insurer is cutting corners on mileage, it's usually doing the same with medical treatment authorizations, wage benefits, or other obligations, and in some cases the dispute overlaps with a third-party claim where broader damages such as pain and suffering may be at issue outside workers compensation.

Schwartz Law Firm:

• Reviews mileage logs and payment histories to spot underpayments and missed periods

• Confirms the correct mileage rate for each time period based on Louisiana workers compensation and state employee travel rules

• Demands back pay for unpaid mileage, plus applicable penalties and attorney's fees where the law allows

• Integrates mileage issues with the broader workers compensation strategy - including wage benefits, medical care, vocational rehab, and potential settlements

Chris Schwartz's background as a former workers comp adjuster gives him inside knowledge of how insurers calculate, delay, and sometimes deliberately underpay mileage. That perspective is hard to obtain elsewhere.

The firm provides free initial consultations, and clients owe no attorney fee unless the firm recovers money for them in workers compensation claims or related matters (clients may still be responsible for case-related costs and expenses).

Call (504) 837-2263 or send a secure message online to review your Louisiana workers comp mileage reimbursement rights.

Serving Injured Workers in Greater New Orleans, River & Bayou Parishes, and Statewide

Schwartz Law Firm is based in Metairie and represents injured workers throughout the Greater New Orleans Area and across Louisiana:

• Greater New Orleans: Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Bernard Parish, Plaquemines Parish

• Northshore & River Parishes: St. Charles Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, St. James Parish

• River & Bayou Parishes (West/South of New Orleans): Ascension Parish, Lafourche Parish, Terrebonne Parish

The firm also maintains a Baton Rouge presence and can handle workers compensation mileage disputes and claims statewide. Beyond mileage, the firm's broader experience spans workers compensation, auto accidents, maritime injuries (including Jones Act and Longshore claims), and Social Security Disability - areas where mileage and travel issues often overlap.

If you have questions about workers comp mileage reimbursement anywhere in Louisiana, call (504) 837-2263 for a free case review, even if you are not in the immediate New Orleans area.

Our Commitment to Louisiana Workers and the Community

For more than 25 years, Schwartz Law Firm has represented Louisiana workers and accident victims in contested workers compensation and personal injury cases. Chris Schwartz founded the firm in 1997. He holds a J.D. and M.B.A. from Loyola University New Orleans, has extensive litigation experience in workers comp and injury law, and is the author of "Road to Justice."

The firm maintains a community-minded policy: at settlement, Schwartz Law Firm donates a portion of its attorney's fees to a non-profit organization chosen by the client. This reflects a belief that every successful case should help more than one person - strengthening local communities across New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and the River and Bayou Parishes.

If you've suffered a workplace injury, reaching out isn't just about your own claim. It's about working with a firm invested in the same Louisiana communities you call home.

Ready to Talk About Your Workers' Comp Mileage Reimbursement? (Free Consultation)

Travel costs add up fast when you're injured and out of work. Between pain, medical appointments, and the stress of dealing with insurance, chasing down mileage reimbursement shouldn't be another burden on your shoulders.

You do not have to fight a Louisiana workers comp insurer alone over unpaid mileage, medical bills, or lost wages. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Schwartz Law Firm to review your mileage logs, benefit checks, and overall workers compensation claim.

Call Schwartz Law Firm today at (504) 837-2263 to get started.

Prefer to write? Send us a secure message through our contact form and we'll respond promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Workers' Comp Mileage Reimbursement

How far back can I claim unpaid workers' comp mileage in Louisiana?

While there is no specific "mileage only" statute of limitations, workers compensation in Louisiana is subject to prescriptive (deadline) rules for medical and indemnity benefits, and those rules can indirectly limit how far back you can successfully claim unpaid mileage. The safest approach is to submit mileage regularly - monthly or quarterly - and bring older, unpaid mileage to an attorney's attention as soon as possible. If you have a large backlog of unpaid mileage, contact Schwartz Law Firm for a personalized review of time limits in your specific case.

Can I still get mileage reimbursement if my Louisiana workers' comp claim is disputed or partially denied?

If the insurer is disputing whether the injury is work-related, it will typically also dispute mileage. However, if portions of the claim - like some treatment - are accepted, mileage for that accepted medical care may still be owed. A workers compensation judge can address both the underlying claim and any related mileage reimbursement issues in the same proceeding. Workers whose claims are in denial or dispute should speak with a lawyer quickly so that mileage and core benefit issues are litigated together.

What if a family member has to drive me to my medical appointments?

Louisiana law focuses on reimbursement for travel reasonably and necessarily incurred for medical treatment. In many cases, if you cannot safely drive - for example, after surgery or while medically limited - mileage is still owed even if a spouse or friend drives. Document who drove, why you could not drive yourself, and the exact mileage. Keep consistent appointment records. Insurers sometimes dispute these trips, so having an attorney can make a real difference in recovering full reimbursement.

Does workers' comp mileage reimbursement cover tolls, parking, or public transportation?

La. R.S. 23:1203(D) squarely addresses mileage, but in practice, parking receipts and toll tickets may also be reimbursable alongside mileage if they are necessary to reach medical treatment. Public transportation, ride-share, or taxi costs may be handled on a case-by-case basis, especially where the worker does not have a vehicle or is medically unable to drive. Keep all receipts and discuss them with a workers comp attorney to determine the best way to present these expenses to the insurer or workers compensation judge.

Can I negotiate mileage reimbursement as part of a lump-sum workers' comp settlement?

When a Louisiana workers compensation case is settled, unpaid mileage, future medical rights, and other benefits are often wrapped into one overall settlement figure. It is critical to fully calculate past-due mileage before settlement negotiations so this money is not accidentally left on the table. Once a full and final settlement is approved by a workers compensation judge, it is usually too late to come back and ask for separate mileage reimbursement for the same period. If you are considering a settlement, contact Schwartz Law Firm at (504) 837-2263 or via the online contact form before signing anything so your mileage and future medical needs are properly valued.