METAIRIE / METRO NEW ORLEANS 504-837-2263

New Orleans Service Industry Injury Attorney

service-industry-injuries

Full Workers' Compensation Recovery For Service Industry Injuries

Restaurant · Retail · Hospitality · Cleaning

Service industry workers are covered by workers' compensation, the same as any Louisiana employee. But some employers discourage workers from filing claims because they are concerned that their insurance premiums will go up.

Don't let your supervisor or your employer influence your decision to file a workers' comp claim. Do not accept an out-of-pocket payment — you deserve much more than your employer and their insurer would offer. Do not give in to threats — you cannot be fired for filing a claim.

If you were hurt on the job, consult an experienced workers' compensation lawyer right away. We will make sure you get medical care and lost wages.

Please call us in Metairie or Baton Rouge at 504-837-2263 for a FREE initial consultation. We are available to you 24/7.

Why Do You Need A Lawyer To File A Workers' Compensation Claim?

Working in a service industry job — such as a waiter, bartender, cook, cashier, desk clerk, tour guide, baggage worker, maid, or cleaning crew member — is physically and mentally demanding. We have handled claims for back injuries, slip-and-fall accidents, serious burns, injuries to hands and fingers, and other accidents that could keep you off the job and require ongoing medical care.

If you don't file for workers' compensation benefits now, when the injury comes back to haunt you in the future, it truly will be pre-existing, and you will have fewer legal options or employment opportunities.

Things that may derail your claim:

  1. Your employer may tell you that your injury won't qualify for benefits.
  2. Evidence of your workplace accident may disappear.
  3. Your employer may require that you get treatment only from its preferred doctor.
  4. The doctor may conclude that your injury was a pre-existing condition or that aggravation of a prior injury did not occur on the job.
  5. The workers' compensation insurance company may stop paying your benefits if it believes you are not following your prescribed treatment closely enough.
  6. The insurance company may terminate your benefits if it decides you are well enough to return to work.

Your rights can be violated in several ways if a dedicated personal injury attorney is not advocating for you, managing your case and protecting your rights throughout the process.

What you need to know:

  • Virtually any work-related injury or illness qualifies you for workers' comp benefits. If it happened in the workplace or at an event outside of work that was still job-related, you are entitled to benefits.
  • We can prove that your injury or illness is work-related, but you need to report it to your supervisor right away. It is advisable to get an attorney involved to make sure evidence is preserved and properly documented.
  • You can see any physician of your choice who has been approved by the Louisiana Office of Workers' Compensation Administration (OWCA).
  • In many cases, you can avoid the diagnosis that your injury was a pre-existing condition by choosing your own doctor.
  • We will help you understand your responsibilities once you receive a treatment plan from your doctor, helping ensure that you do not lose benefits.
  • If you are not able to return to work, but the insurance company or your employer is pressuring you, we will protect your rights and benefits vigorously.

You do not have to prove negligence or that your injury was not your fault if you are injured at work. As long as your injury or illness is job-related, you are entitled to lost wage benefits and medical expense coverage.

Service industry work-related injuries may seem minor at first. You may think you can just tough it out and that you can't afford to miss work. Think again.

Get A Free Initial Consultation At Schwartz Law Firm LLC

Please email us or call us today at 504-837-2263 to schedule a meeting with one of our experienced attorneys. We will help you secure your full and fair compensation, and we will fight for you.

Worker's compensation video guide banner

Schwartz Law Firm

Schwartz Law Firm LLC attorneys bring over 25 years of combined experience securing personal injury recoveries and workers’ compensation successes in New Orleans and southeast Louisiana.

Menu