New Orleans Workers Compensation Lawyer

What Our New Orleans, LA Clients Are Saying

Hear from workers in New Orleans, LA, who have trusted us with their workers’ compensation cases:

Workers’ Compensation Services in New Orleans, LA

At Crescent City Law, we handle a wide range of workers’ compensation cases for injured workers across New Orleans, LA.

Our workers’ compensation services include:

BACK, NECK & SPINE INJURIES:

Helping workers recover benefits for long-term, debilitating injuries caused by falls, lifting, or accidents.

CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCIDENTS:

Advocating for laborers, scaffolders, and equipment operators hurt on dangerous construction sites.

OIL FIELD & INDUSTRIAL INJURIES:

Handling high-risk cases involving burns, explosions, crush injuries, or chemical exposure.

HEALTHCARE WORKER INJURIES:

Supporting nurses, aides, and other medical staff injured through lifting, slips, and exposure to illness.

FIREFIGHTER, POLICE OFFICER & EMT INJURY CLAIMS:

Representing first responders facing heart, lung, cancer, or trauma-related injuries tied to their service.

TRUCK DRIVER & DELIVERY INJURIES:

Assisting drivers with workers’ comp after road crashes, repetitive strain, or loading injuries.

REPETITIVE STRESS & CARPAL TUNNEL CLAIMS:

Advocating for workers with long-term damage from repeated motion or overuse.

SCAFFOLD & LADDER FALLS:

Filing claims for serious injuries sustained from heights due to unsafe conditions or poor safety gear.

BURNS, ELECTROCUTION & CHEMICAL EXPOSURE:

Seeking full medical care and wage benefits for severe on-site accidents.

EYE INJURIES & HEARING LOSS:

Helping those with impaired vision or hearing due to workplace incidents secure proper treatment.

SLIP & FALL WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS:

Covering sudden injuries on wet floors, uneven surfaces, or unsafe work environments.

TEMPORARY & PERMANENT DISABILITY CLAIMS:

Pursuing wage benefits, whether your injury keeps you out of work short- or long-term.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SUPPORT:

Helping injured workers retrain or transition if they can no longer return to their old job.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION APPEALS:

Challenging denied or delayed claims and representing you through the hearing process.

DEATH BENEFITS & WRONGFUL DEATH:

Assisting families in recovering compensation when a worker dies due to job-related injuries.

Talk to an Attorney Who Will Stand With You Every Step.

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Workers’ Compensation vs. Maritime Injury Claims

New Orleans is a city built on waterways, ports, and shipping. Due to our unique environment, not all workers’ compensation claims are treated the same. If you work in a typical office or industrial setting, your claim is likely to fall under Louisiana’s workers’ compensation system. However, if you work along the Mississippi River or offshore, you may be covered by an entirely different set of laws.

If you work on or near the Port of New Orleans or any other navigable waterway near New Orleans, you need to learn more about whether your claim falls under state workers’ compensation law, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), or the Jones Act.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal workers’ compensation law that covers maritime workers who do not qualify as seamen. The LHWCA was enacted to cover any employee who performs duties on or near navigable waters of the United States, or in any adjoining areas used in loading, unloading, repairing, or building a vessel.

This includes dockworkers, shipbuilders, harbor construction workers, and any workers who help load and unload vessels. Workers in these jobs can be hurt on the job by heavy machinery, slick surfaces, falls from heights, and exposure to harmful chemicals.

In general, the LHWCA provides more benefits than state workers’ compensation laws. This includes providing lost wage benefits and covering medical treatment. As these claims are federal rather than state-based, they follow different deadlines and procedures than typical workers’ compensation claims.

The Jones Act and Protections for Seamen

The Jones Act covers a different group of maritime workers known as seamen. Seamen are workers who spend a significant amount of their work time aboard vessels in navigation. This can include crew members, offshore oil workers, harbor pilots, and others who work on a ship or regularly head out onto the water.

Unlike workers’ compensation and LHWCA claims, injured workers can file a Jones Act claim directly against their employer. If your employer has acted negligently and that negligence causes your injury, you can file a claim to recover damages.

Commonly, negligence may come into play when an employer provides an unsafe work environment, fails to properly train workers, or does not exercise reasonable oversight over workers. Damages under the Jones Act can include recovery for pain and suffering. As LHWCA claims, Jones Act claims follow federal law.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Maritime Injury Claims

As you can see, there are a few different avenues for injured workers to pursue a claim. While traditional workers’ compensation claims provide limited benefits, maritime injury laws were designed to provide greater protection and compensation to injured workers.

One of the most important things you can do after getting hurt on the job is to determine which set of workers compensation laws applies to your claim. Crescent City Law has experience handling all of the above types of claims and can advise you on which benefits you may be entitled to recover.

What To Do If You’re Injured at Work

If you have been injured on the job, there are several things you should do to protect your health and your claim. First, report your injury to your employer immediately. The sooner you report your injury, the better.

Second, seek medical attention. Some workplace injuries are not obvious right away. You may feel perfectly fine after an injury, only to experience pain days or even weeks later. By seeing a doctor immediately, you create a record of your injuries. This can help prove that you were injured at work. Finally, take notes about your injury on the following:

• How did it happen?
• Were there any witnesses?
• What exactly did you hear or see?

These details can help strengthen your claim later on. Follow these instructions as soon as possible to help your case.

Common Reasons Workers’ Compensation Claims Are Denied

Sadly, not all claims are accepted right away. In fact, employers and insurance companies routinely deny valid workers’ compensation claims. Here are some of the most common reasons claims are denied:

• Lack of evidence
• Disputed circumstances
• Missed deadlines
• Paperwork errors

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers in the private sector reported 2.5 million nonfatal occupational illnesses and injuries in 2024, a decrease of 3.1% from 2023. A 26.0 percent decline in disease cases to 148,000 in 2024 was caused by a 46.1 percent decline in respiratory illness cases to 54,000.

Common Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Workers’ compensation provides medical and wage-replacement benefits to injured workers. The specific benefits you are entitled to can depend on your injury. In general, workers’ compensation provides medical costs and wage replacement benefits. Workers who are injured and suffer a long-term impairment may be eligible for additional benefits.

Medical evidence plays a crucial role in any workers’ compensation or maritime injury claim. If you want to maximize your chance of recovery, it is important to have detailed medical records that support your injury claim.

Furthermore, you should continue to see your doctor and follow their treatment recommendations. Large gaps in medical treatment can be used against you in a claim. In some instances, you may need to obtain further medical evaluation to document the long-term impact of your injury.

The Length of a Workers Compensation Case

Every case is different, but most workers’ compensation cases are resolved within a few months. Simple claims that are not disputed can be approved very quickly. However, some cases take years to resolve. Injuries that require extensive medical treatment, surgery, or result in a contested claim can take much longer to resolve. Understanding that these cases take time can help alleviate some of the stress that comes along with being hurt on the job.

Returning to Work After an Injury

Going back to work after you’ve been injured on the job is not always straightforward. While some workers are able to return to their old positions after an injury or illness, others may need light-duty or alternate work assignments.

Workers’ comp may cover vocational rehabilitation to train you for a new career if you’re unable to return to work in the same capacity.

Independent Contractor vs. Employee Classification

Classification as an employee versus an independent contractor can play a major role in a workers’ comp claim. Most traditional workers’ compensation benefits are reserved only for employees. That is why many independent contractors are left without options when they are injured on the job.

Misclassification of employees as independent contractors is actually quite common. Workers can be considered independent contractors even when they perform very similar duties under similar levels of control to actual employees. Schedule, supervision, and the specific job duties all play a part in worker classification.

If you believe you have been classified incorrectly, you may be entitled to pursue benefits. Since classification can play such a large role in determining coverage, it is often a central issue in many workplace injury claims.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Pre-existing conditions and prior injuries are quite common among working-class citizens. Fortunately for these workers, they do not need to be completely free of injury prior to an accident in order to receive benefits.

If an injury that you suffered at work aggravated a prior condition, you may still be covered. Basically, if your work injury changed the condition you were in prior to being hurt on the job, it can be covered. For example, if you suffered a back injury prior to moving boxes at work, but your injury got significantly worse due to the accident, you are likely to be covered.

Medical records that detail your condition prior to and after the workplace injury can be especially important.

Why Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you were injured on the job, you have the option to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to assist you in your claim. Workers’ comp cases can be difficult to navigate on your own. There are deadlines to meet and specific standards you must follow to make sure your claim is handled properly and fairly.

You should consider hiring a lawyer if your claim was denied. You may also need to hire a lawyer if your injury falls under maritime law, like the LHWCA or Jones Act.

Third Party Liability

While many workplace injuries are considered the responsibility of employers, there are times when a third party is at fault. Third-party negligence can come from other contractors on the job site, manufacturers of tools or equipment, or property owners.

Defective equipment, unsafe work conditions, and the negligence of others can all result in workplace injuries. If a third party was responsible for your injury, you may be able to file a 3rd party liability claim.

Third-party claims allow you to pursue compensation for damages that aren’t covered by workers’ compensation. Examples of this include pain and suffering or lost wages. Part of building a strong case is making sure all negligent parties are identified.

Denied Claims

Just because you were denied workers’ compensation benefits does not mean that you cannot file a claim. Many claims are denied because of incomplete information or a lack of clarity on how the injury occurred. Fortunately, appeals allow injured workers to contest the decision.

Filing an appeal allows you to provide more evidence and clarify any issues with your claim. This can be done by supplying recent medical records or further explaining how the accident happened. Some appeals go to a hearing in front of a workers’ comp judge. Appeals can be a complicated process, which is why it’s important to understand what they involve.

Your Dedicated New Orleans, LA Workers’ Compensation Advocates

At Crescent City Law, we proudly represent injured workers in New Orleans, LA. We’re committed to helping you understand your rights, navigate the claims process, and pursue the full benefits you need to recover and move forward with confidence.

Secure Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits Today

At Crescent City Law, we act quickly to secure your workers’ comp benefits and make sure you’re not left out of work without support. We won’t let employers and insurers delay or deny your claim. Contact us now for a free consultation, and let’s get your case moving.

What Sets Our New Orleans Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Apart

• Experienced Legal Team: Our attorneys have extensive experience handling workers’ compensation cases, giving us the knowledge to navigate complex legal processes effectively. We know the system inside and out, and we know how to advocate for you

• Personalized Attention: We understand that each case is unique. We provide personalized legal strategies tailored to your specific situation and needs. You won’t be treated like just another case file. We listen, we care, and we advocate for you.

• No Upfront Fees: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we obtain compensation for your case. You can focus on healing and not worry about legal bills.

• No Upfront Medical Costs. We can often arrange for you to receive medical treatment without you having to pay doctor bills out-of-pocket while your case is pending. That way, your priority is your physical recovery instead of any mounting medical costs.

• Aggressive Advocacy: We are committed to standing up to insurance companies and employers to see that you receive the benefits you deserve. We don’t back down until your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.

• Comprehensive Support: From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we guide you through every step of the process, keeping you informed and supported. We handle the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations so you can focus on recovery.

Take the First Step Towards Securing Your Benefits

From St. Charles to St. Tammany Parish, if you’ve been injured at work, don’t navigate the complex workers’ compensation system alone. Contact Crescent City Law today for a free consultation. Let us advocate for the benefits you deserve while you focus on your recovery.