Workers’ Compensation Attorney in New Orleans

Committed to Helping You Obtain the Benefits You Deserve

If you have suffered an injury at the workplace in Louisiana, state workers’ compensation laws may entitle you to certain benefits to cover medical expenses, provide compensation while you recover from your work injury, vocational rehabilitation, permanent partial disability benefits, or total disability benefits. In most cases, Louisiana workers’ compensation covers medical treatment and a portion of lost wages after a job-related injury or illness, regardless of who caused the accident.

Unfortunately, many injured workers are not familiar with the claims process. Delays, denied benefits, disputed medical treatment, and pressure from employers or insurance companies can make recovery more stressful than it needs to be.

At The Chopin Law Firm, we are focused on helping injured workers recover the benefits they deserve. With more than five decades of legal experience, our New Orleans workers’ compensation lawyers can guide you through the intricacies of the legal process, all while protecting your rights and best interests. Our legal team has over five decades of combined experience helping injured workers, covering all types of workers’ compensation claims.

Whether you’re searching for a workers’ comp lawyer after a denied claim or need guidance on how to find a workers’ comp lawyer you can trust, we’re here to protect your rights every step of the way. We help injured employees understand what benefits may be available, what deadlines may apply, and what steps can protect a claim from the beginning.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in Louisiana?

Workers’ compensation may cover medical treatment, wage replacement benefits, rehabilitation services, and certain disability benefits after a covered workplace injury. These benefits can apply to sudden accidents, occupational diseases, and some work-related physical or mental injuries.

Medical benefits may include emergency care, doctor visits, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and other reasonable treatment connected to the job injury. Wage benefits may be available when the injury keeps you from working or limits your ability to earn what you made before the accident.

Because each claim depends on the worker’s job duties, medical evidence, and the circumstances of the injury, it is important to report the injury quickly and document symptoms from the start. A lawyer can help determine whether the insurer is paying the correct benefits and whether additional action is needed.

Common Workplace Injuries

Getting injured at work is something nobody ever wants to happen, however, it occurs much more often than most know. While it isn’t always possible to prevent workplace injuries, understanding common workplace injuries can help you recognize when a condition may be connected to your job.

Work injuries can happen in offices, warehouses, hospitals, restaurants, construction sites, industrial facilities, delivery routes, and many other settings. Some injuries are obvious right away, while others develop over time or worsen after the worker tries to continue working through pain.

Slips, Trips & Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common injuries in the workplace. These accidents often happen because of an unaddressed hazard on the floor, such as a spill that was never cleaned up, oil or grease left on a walking surface, wet floors without warning signage, or objects left in a walkway. When there are unsafe walking conditions at work, it is very simple for someone to fall and seriously injure themselves. Slip and fall accidents can lead to broken bones, sprains, fractures, and, in severe cases, brain injury.

A workplace fall may also cause back injuries, knee injuries, shoulder injuries, neck injuries, and concussions. Even a fall from the same level can lead to lasting pain that affects a person’s ability to perform physical work.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) occur when you are asked to do the same repetitive actions throughout your day. For example, someone who is an office worker may be asked to work their whole 8-hour shift sitting in front of the computer, and using the same movement day in and day out can lead to a repetitive stress injury. Common examples include carpal tunnel, lower back strains, and shoulder strains or tears.

RSIs are rapidly becoming one of the most common workplace injuries due to the fact that they can impact individuals in many different job types. These injuries may affect people who type, lift, scan items, use tools, drive, stock shelves, or perform repeated movements throughout a shift.

Because repetitive trauma injuries often develop gradually, workers may not immediately connect their symptoms to their job duties. Medical records, job descriptions, and a clear timeline can help show how the work activity contributed to the injury.

Vehicle Accidents

Where there is heavy machinery, there is also the chance that there will be severe accidents. Workers can be struck by a vehicle, fall out of a vehicle, get crushed by a vehicle, or be struck by objects falling from a vehicle. While vehicular accidents are most prominent in the agricultural industry, this is also a large concern for those working in factories or construction sites. If there is large machinery where you work, you should be sure to take extra caution to ensure your safety.

Vehicle-related work injuries may also involve delivery drivers, sales employees, utility workers, truck drivers, rideshare workers, and employees who travel between job sites. When a crash happens during the course and scope of employment, workers’ compensation may apply, and there may also be a separate third-party injury claim depending on who caused the accident.

Falling from High Places

Injuries caused by falling from high areas are typically a large concern for those who must be in those areas for work. Individuals who work in manual labor positions like roofers, linemen, factory workers, and many other professions have the risk of falling from locations such as roofs, ladders, stairways, cranes, and platforms. These falls can occur because of faulty equipment, improper training, losing footing, or slippery surfaces.

Falls from heights can cause severe injuries, including spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, internal injuries, and permanent disability. These claims often require careful review of medical records, job site conditions, safety equipment, and witness statements.

Overexertion

Overexertion is another workplace injury that is most commonly seen in manual labor based jobs. Overexertion injuries are often caused by improperly lifting objects, lifting heavy objects alone, moving too quickly to meet deadlines, or working through breaks. It is important to understand your rights to your safety as an employee, and to take breaks regularly while lifting objects with proper technique.

Overexertion can cause herniated discs, muscle strains, torn ligaments, shoulder injuries, knee injuries, and chronic pain. These injuries are often disputed because insurers may argue that the condition is degenerative or unrelated to work.

What To Do After a Workplace Injury in Louisiana

After a workplace injury, your first priority should be your health. Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, seek medical care, and keep records of your symptoms, treatment, and missed work.

Helpful steps after a work accident include:

• Reporting the injury to your employer in writing
• Requesting a copy of any incident report
• Following your doctor's medical instructions
• Saving medical bills and work restriction paperwork
• Avoiding recorded statements without guidance if the claim becomes disputed

Small details can matter later, especially if the insurance company delays treatment or questions how the injury happened. You should also be careful about returning to work before you are medically ready, and if a doctor gives you restrictions, make sure your employer understands those limitations and that any light-duty work complies with them.

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer

Upon suffering a work-related injury or illness, you may be wondering if it is a good idea to hire a workers’ compensation attorney. When any complexity arises in your case, it is in your best interest to get legal assistance. Our New Orleans workers’ compensation lawyers are here to help.

Legal help is often necessary when you have suffered a serious injury, your claim was denied, your employer’s settlement offer doesn’t adequately cover your medical bills or lost wages, your medical condition prevents you from returning to your previous job, your employer retaliates against you for filing a claim, or your injury was caused by a third party’s negligence or employer misconduct. Our New Orleans workers’ comp lawyer will ensure that you file all of the required forms and meet the deadlines. We can collect crucial evidence to support your case, negotiate with your employer’s insurance company, and help you determine the most favorable settlement amount possible. If you can’t agree on a reasonable settlement, we can fight for you at trial.

A lawyer can also help if your doctor visits are not being approved, your weekly checks are late, the insurer sends you to repeated medical evaluations, or you are being pushed back to work too soon. Workers’ compensation cases often involve medical and legal issues at the same time, and early guidance can help prevent mistakes that affect your benefits.

What Benefits May Be Available After a Work Injury?

Workers’ compensation benefits are intended to help injured employees cover medical care and income loss while they recover. The benefits available in a specific case depend on the injury, the medical evidence, the worker’s job, and whether the injury causes temporary or permanent limitations.

In Louisiana workers’ compensation claims, injured workers may be entitled to medical treatment, indemnity benefits for lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and disability benefits when the injury affects their ability to work. In some cases, disputes arise over the amount of benefits owed, whether treatment is necessary, or whether the worker can return to the same job.

If a workplace injury causes permanent limitations, the long-term value of the claim may need to be carefully evaluated before any settlement is considered. A settlement should account for the injury’s future impact, not just the bills or missed wages that exist at the time of the offer.

Can You Sue Your Employer After a Work Injury?

In many Louisiana work injury cases, workers’ compensation is the primary remedy against the employer. This means an injured employee usually seeks benefits through the workers’ compensation system rather than filing a traditional personal injury lawsuit against the employer directly.

However, some cases may involve additional claims. If a third party caused or contributed to the accident, such as a negligent driver, subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer, the injured worker may have a separate claim outside workers’ compensation.

These third-party claims can be important because workers’ compensation does not always cover every type of loss. A lawyer can review whether another person or company may be legally responsible for the injury.

Denied Workers’ Compensation Claims

A denied claim does not always mean the case is over. Workers’ compensation claims are commonly denied because the insurer disputes whether the injury happened at work, whether the worker reported it on time, whether the medical condition is related, or whether treatment is necessary.

If your claim is denied, it is important to act quickly. You may need additional medical documentation, witness statements, employment records, or formal filings with the Louisiana Office of Workers’ Compensation.

The Chopin Law Firm helps injured workers respond to denied or delayed claims and pursue the benefits available under Louisiana law. The sooner these issues are addressed, the easier it may be to preserve important evidence and avoid further delays.

Request a Free Consultation Now!

In most cases, you must notify your employer of your injury within 30 days or else you can be denied from receiving benefits. Both physical and mental injuries stemming from either accidents or occupational diseases are covered. Do not hesitate to let us help you achieve your goals. Our workers comp lawyers in New Orleans are ready to stand by your side and fight for your recovery.

If you were hurt at work in New Orleans or anywhere in Louisiana, you do not have to navigate the process alone. Contact The Chopin Law Firm to discuss your injury, your benefits, and the next steps available to protect your claim.

Workers’ Compensation FAQs

1. How do I file a workers’ comp claim in Louisiana?

If you’re hurt on the job, report the injury to your employer immediately. Your employer must then notify their insurer. You’ll likely need to complete forms with the Louisiana Office of Workers’ Compensation (OWC). Our workers’ compensation attorneys can guide you through the process.

You should also seek medical care and keep copies of any paperwork related to the injury. If your employer does not report the accident or the insurer delays benefits, legal guidance can help you understand what to do next.

2. Do you have to file for workers’ comp if you get hurt at work?

Yes. Filing a workers’ comp claim is the only way to secure medical treatment and wage benefits after most work injuries. Even if you think your injury is minor, it’s important to report it because waiting could harm your claim.

Some injuries become more serious after the initial accident. Reporting the injury early creates a record that may help connect your symptoms to your work.

3. How to file a workers’ comp claim (general steps) in Louisiana?

To begin a workers’ compensation claim, report your injury to your employer as soon as possible and ask that the accident be documented. You should then seek medical treatment, follow your doctor’s instructions, and keep records of missed work, medical bills, prescriptions, and restrictions.

If your claim is denied or delayed, a workers’ comp attorney can help.

4. How do I apply for workers’ comp in Louisiana?

Your employer must report your injury to their insurer, but if they don’t, you can file directly with the Louisiana OWC using Form 1008. An attorney can ensure your application is filed correctly and on time.

If you are unsure whether paperwork has been filed, do not assume the claim is moving forward. A lawyer can review the status of your claim and help address problems before they affect your benefits.

5. How to Find a Workers Comp Lawyer in New Orleans

Choosing the right attorney can feel overwhelming. When choosing a workers’ compensation lawyer in New Orleans, look for experience with Louisiana work injury claims, clear communication, and a willingness to explain the process before you make decisions. It is also helpful to choose a firm that offers free consultations, because you can ask questions about denied claims, medical treatment, wage benefits, and settlement concerns before moving forward.

At The Chopin Law Firm, we pride ourselves on guiding injured workers with compassion and determination.

6. What if my employer says I am not covered by workers’ compensation?

You should not rely only on what your employer tells you after a workplace injury. Coverage can depend on your employment status, job duties, the type of work performed, and the circumstances of the accident.

If there is a dispute over whether you are covered, a workers’ compensation lawyer can review the facts and explain your options. This is especially important for contract workers, temporary workers, and employees who perform work at multiple job sites.

7. Can I receive workers’ comp if I caused my own accident?

In many cases, workers’ compensation may still apply even if the injured employee made a mistake that contributed to the accident. Workers’ compensation is generally different from a personal injury lawsuit because benefits are not always based on proving fault.

There are exceptions, and insurers may dispute claims involving intoxication, horseplay, intentional conduct, or injuries outside the course of employment. If there is any question about fault or coverage, it is important to get advice before giving statements that may affect your claim.

8. What should I do if my workers’ comp checks stop?

If your workers’ compensation checks stop without a clear explanation, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Benefit interruptions may happen because the insurer claims you can return to work, disputes your medical condition, or relies on a medical evaluation that limits your benefits.

You should keep copies of all notices, medical restrictions, and communications with the insurance company. These records can help determine whether benefits were stopped properly or whether action should be taken to restore them.

9. Can I settle my Louisiana workers’ compensation claim?

Some workers’ compensation claims can be settled, but settlement should be considered carefully. A settlement may affect future medical care, wage benefits, and your ability to reopen issues later.

Before accepting any offer, it is important to understand the full extent of your injury and future treatment needs. A lawyer can help evaluate whether the settlement reflects both current and future losses.