Louisiana Workers' Compensation Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Louisiana workers' comp attorneys who handle claims before the Louisiana Office of Workers' Compensation. From offshore oil and gas workers in the Gulf, to chemical and refinery workers along the Mississippi River corridor, to longshoring and port work in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lake Charles, we'll match you with the right attorney at no cost to get started.

Notice to the employer within 30 days under La. R.S. 23:1301. The claim must be filed within 1 year of the injury, or within 2 years if any compensation has been paid, under La. R.S. 23:1209. For occupational disease, separate timing rules apply.

The worker has the right to choose one treating physician per specialty under La. R.S. 23:1121. Going to additional physicians without authorization may require OWC approval.

It depends on the work. Offshore platform workers, harbor workers, longshoremen, and shipyard workers often fall under the federal Longshore Act (LHWCA, 33 U.S.C. § 901) — which pays more and uses federal law. Seamen are covered by the Jones Act, not comp. State comp covers everyone else. Misclassifying the claim can cut recovery dramatically.

Louisiana limits workers' comp attorney fees to 20% of contested benefits under La. R.S. 23:1141, subject to OWC approval. LHWCA attorney fees are paid by the employer in many situations. Third-party tort claims run on standard 33%–40% contingency.

Generally no under state comp — exclusive remedy under La. R.S. 23:1032. Narrow intentional-act exception under § 23:1032(B). Jones Act seamen can sue the employer directly. Third-party claims against non-employers are not barred.

Offshore platform and rig injuries typically fall under LHWCA's Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act extension or Jones Act seaman status. The choice between state comp, LHWCA, and Jones Act is critical — Jones Act seamen can recover full tort damages (pain and suffering, future earnings) that aren't available in comp.

Louisiana's chemical corridor generates long-latency exposure cases (benzene, asbestos, isocyanates). These are pursued under La. R.S. 23:1031.1 occupational-disease provisions, and often paired with third-party product-liability claims against chemical manufacturers.

Why Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Louisiana?

Louisiana's Workers' Compensation Act (La. R.S. 23:1021 et seq.) is administered by the Office of Workers' Compensation (OWC). TTD pays 66 2/3% of AWW under La. R.S. 23:1221. Louisiana is unusual because it sits at the intersection of state comp, the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA, 33 U.S.C. § 901), the Jones Act for seamen (46 U.S.C. § 30104), and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act for offshore platforms. Choosing the right system is often the most consequential decision in the case. Onshore, the chemical and refinery corridor between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, plus the LNG and petrochemical boom around Lake Charles, generates serious exposure and catastrophic-injury claims. Attorney fees are statutorily limited under § 23:1141. An experienced Louisiana attorney properly classifies the claim, secures medical access, and preserves third-party claims.

When Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Louisiana?

Our network includes Louisiana workers' compensation attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Workers' Compensation Cases in Louisiana

From the moment you connect with a Louisiana workers' compensation attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Misclassifying the claim — accepting state comp when LHWCA or Jones Act applies

Missing the 30-day notice or 1-year (2-year with payments) filing deadline

Accepting an impairment rating without an IME

Settling before reaching MMI and addressing future medical needs

Refusing reasonable light-duty without medical documentation

Missing a § 23:1101 third-party claim against equipment makers, contractors, or at-fault drivers

Misclassifying the claim — accepting state comp when LHWCA or Jones Act applies

Missing the 30-day notice or 1-year (2-year with payments) filing deadline

Accepting an impairment rating without an IME

Settling before reaching MMI and addressing future medical needs

Refusing reasonable light-duty without medical documentation

Missing a § 23:1101 third-party claim against equipment makers, contractors, or at-fault drivers

Common Louisiana Workers' Compensation Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Louisiana Workers' Compensation Attorneys Cost?

20%

Typical starting contingency fee — you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.

Louisiana caps workers' comp attorney fees at 20% of contested benefits under La. R.S. 23:1141, subject to OWC approval. LHWCA attorney fees may be employer-paid in many situations. Third-party tort claims (motor vehicle, product liability, contractor) run outside the comp system on standard 33%–40% personal-injury contingency.

What Can Your Louisiana Workers' Compensation Compensation Include?

Medical Benefits

Reasonable and necessary medical treatment under La. R.S. 23:1203, including future medical when needed for the work injury.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

66 2/3% of average weekly wage under La. R.S. 23:1221(1), capped at the state-adjusted maximum (~$833.92/week as of 2024 — among the lower caps nationally).

Supplemental Earnings Benefits (SEB)

Wage-replacement under § 23:1221(3) for workers who can return at less than 90% of pre-injury wages — payable for up to 520 weeks.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

Statutory schedules under La. R.S. 23:1221(4) for specific body parts, with impairment-rating proof.

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

66 2/3% of AWW for life under § 23:1221(2) when the worker can't return to gainful employment.

Death Benefits

Weekly benefits to surviving spouse and dependents under La. R.S. 23:1231, plus burial expenses.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Louisiana Workers' Compensation Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Louisiana?

When Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Louisiana?

Types of Workers' Compensation Cases in Louisiana

Common Louisiana Workers' Compensation Mistakes

How Much Do Louisiana Workers' Compensation Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Louisiana Workers' Compensation Compensation Include?

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