Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Metro New Orleans

Welcome to Schwartz Law Firm – Your Trusted Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Metro New Orleans

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Key Services for Workers' Compensation Cases

• Workplace Injury Representation: From slips, trips, and falls to repetitive stress injuries and occupational diseases, we cover all job-related injuries, including physical and mental injuries caused by workplace accidents or stressful events.
• Employer Dispute Resolution: We fight back against employers who deny claims, dispute the extent of injuries, or retaliate by firing, demoting, or reducing hours for filing a claim.
• Medical Benefits Advocacy: We ensure your employer covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital bills, prescriptions, and rehabilitation therapies.
• Lost Wage Benefits: We secure weekly payments to replace lost income if you're unable to work due to a workplace injury or illness.
• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) Claims: Specialized representation for maritime workers injured on navigable waters or waterfronts, with lifetime benefits protection.
• Appeals for Denied Claims: If your claim is rejected, we file appeals, gather evidence, and represent you before administrative law judges to overturn denials.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Support: For severe injuries leading to permanent disability, we help secure job training or counseling to transition to new roles.

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Why Choose Schwartz Law Firm for Your Workers' Compensation Case?

• 25+ Years of Experience: Founded in 1997 by Christopher R. Schwartz, our firm has a proven track record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for injured workers.
• Exclusive Focus on Workers: We represent injured employees only, never employers or insurance companies, ensuring our loyalty is to you.
• Free Consultations & Low Costs: No out-of-pocket expenses, $1 court costs, and contingency-based fees – you pay nothing unless we win.
• Local Expertise: Serving Metro New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, St. Bernard Parish, St. Charles Parish, and beyond with deep knowledge of Louisiana's workers' comp system.
• Personalized Legal Strategy: Every case is unique. We tailor our approach to your specific needs, whether you're a service industry worker, plant/refinery employee, or maritime worker.
• Aggressive Negotiation & Litigation: Led by Christopher Schwartz, a tough negotiator and author of “The Road to Justice,” we're ready to take your case to trial if needed.

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Common Workplace Injuries Covered by Workers' Compensation

• Physical Injuries: Back injuries, burns, hand/finger injuries, fractures, and slip-and-fall accidents.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs): Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and other conditions caused by repetitive tasks.
• Occupational Diseases: Illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous substances or workplace conditions.
• Mental Injuries: Stress-related conditions or psychological injuries caused by traumatic workplace events, supported by evidence of job-related causation.
• Severe Injuries: Permanent disabilities requiring long-term care or vocational rehabilitation.

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Challenges in Workers' Compensation Cases

• Claim Denials: Employers or insurers may argue your injury isn't work-related or is a pre-existing condition.
• Disputed Injury Extent: Employers may admit an injury occurred but downplay its severity to reduce benefits.
• Employer Retaliation: Firing, demoting, or cutting hours for filing a claim is illegal, and we'll protect your rights.
• Insurance Company Tactics: Insurers may terminate benefits prematurely or pressure you to return to work before you're ready.
• Tight Deadlines: Louisiana has strict filing deadlines (e.g., one year for wage disputes, one to three years for medical disputes). Missing these can forfeit your rights.

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The Workers' Compensation Claims Process

1. Report the Injury: Notify your supervisor immediately to preserve evidence and meet reporting requirements.
2. Seek Medical Care: Choose your own physician approved by the Louisiana Office of Workers' Compensation Administration (OWCA) to avoid biased diagnoses.
3. File a Claim: We help you file all necessary paperwork with the Louisiana Workforce Commission within the statute of limitations.
4. Gather Evidence: We collect medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony to prove your injury and its impact.
5. Negotiate or Litigate: We negotiate with insurers for fair settlements or represent you in hearings before an administrative law judge if disputes arise.
6. Appeal if Necessary: If your claim is denied, we file appeals and fight for your benefits.

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Industries We Serve in Metro New Orleans

• Service Industry: Waiters, bartenders, cooks, cashiers, and hotel staff facing physically demanding roles.
• Plant and Refinery Workers: Employees in hazardous environments like oil refineries, eligible for specialized benefits like vocational rehabilitation.
• Maritime and Longshore Workers: Dockworkers, shipbuilders, and others covered under the LHWCA.
• Construction and Industrial Workers: Laborers facing risks from heavy machinery or falls.
• Hospitality and Tourism: Workers in New Orleans' vibrant tourism sector.

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Contact Schwartz Law Firm Today

• Metairie / Metro New Orleans: 2901 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 204, Metairie, LA 70002
• Baton Rouge: 10537 Kentshire Ct, Baton Rouge, LA 70810

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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