Private vs. OWCA Mediation: Which Is Better for Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Cases?

In the Louisiana’s workers’ compensation dispute system, there are two primary mediation paths:

• OWCA (state-administered) mediation — hosted through the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration;

• Private mediation — arranged by the parties with a mediator chosen by mutual agreement.

Both serve the same purpose: facilitating settlement outside of a formal hearing. But they differ in structure, environment, and strategic impact.

OWCA Mediation

OWCA mediations are typically:

• Conducted at a district office by a mediator employed by the state;

• Often part of the formal dispute process once a 1008 is filed;

• Designed to offer a neutral, standardized forum for early resolution.

While effective, these sessions can sometimes feel more procedural than strategic, especially when both sides want a setting optimized for focused negotiation.

Private Mediation

Private mediation is exactly what it sounds like:

• You choose the mediator — often someone with deep experience in workers’ comp and settlement dynamics;

• You choose the setting — a neutral venue (like Prism Group’s own Claris Pointe) designed to enhance comfort and clarity;

• You can control the process — including scheduling, pre-mediation prep, and mediator style.

A private mediation allows parties to engage in real conversation rather than process, encouraging the kind of trust and rapport that often leads to settlement.

Which is “better”?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. OWCA mediation provides a structured, no-cost avenue built into the dispute process. Private mediation — especially with experienced professionals — often brings deeper strategic focus, better pacing, and an environment primed for resolution, not just discussion.

When the goal is faster resolution with greater control over outcome and experience, private mediation is often the superior choice.