What Is a 1008 Mediation in Louisiana Workers’ Compensation?
When a worker and an employer (or insurer) can’t agree on benefits after a job-related injury — whether it’s wage benefits, medical care, or disability status — Louisiana law provides a structured way to address those disputes. That starts with filing a Disputed Claim for Compensation (Form LWC-WC-1008) with the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA).
But before a case moves all the way through hearings and judges, the system offers mediation, including what’s referred to as a “1008 mediation.”
What exactly is a 1008 mediation?
A “1008 mediation” refers to the mediation process that takes place either before or after the filing of the 1008 Disputed Claim. Mediation is an informal alternative dispute resolution opportunity where both sides sit down with a neutral mediator to talk through the issues and explore settlement.
Under Louisiana law, mediation can be:
Pre-1008: requested before the formal dispute is filed;
Post-1008: requested after the Disputed Claim has been submitted and the case is officially before OWCA.
Why mediation matters
Mediation encourages resolution without the time, stress, and expense of a formal hearing. It’s a space for open dialogue — a human-centered conversation focused on meaningful settlement rather than litigation. Additionally, mediation is the only claims-management tool that can actually close a claim and preserve relationships while protecting assets.
To learn more about how our mediation services can save you time and money, or to speak with one of our mediators directly, click here.