Since 1975, the Gertler Law Firm has stood as one of Louisiana’s most trusted personal injury law firms. Based in New Orleans and serving clients across the state, we have built a reputation for securing results in high-stakes cases, including wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, mesothelioma, product liability, and medical malpractice claims.
Our attorneys have decades of experience in complex litigation, including a leadership role in the landmark $591 million judgment against the tobacco industry, which created a $241 million cessation program for Louisiana residents. That same tenacity drives every case we handle, whether it involves a catastrophic accident, medical negligence, or workplace injury.
At the Gertler Law Firm, we believe that personal injury law is about more than litigation. It’s about protecting families, holding negligent parties accountable, and ensuring that victims of serious accidents and illnesses have the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Auto & Transportation Accidents in New Orleans
Car, Truck, Motorcycle, and Rideshare Cases
- Car Accidents: From distracted drivers to drunk driving collisions, we help clients pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs.
- Truck Accidents: Crashes involving 18-wheelers and commercial vehicles often cause catastrophic injuries. Our firm has decades of experience taking on trucking companies and their insurers.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Riders are especially vulnerable in collisions. We fight for injured motorcyclists facing broken bones, spinal injuries, and brain trauma.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Whether crossing Canal Street or walking in a residential neighborhood, pedestrians deserve protection. We hold negligent drivers accountable when walkers are struck.
- Uber & Lyft Accidents: Rideshare cases involve complex insurance coverage questions. We understand how to navigate these claims for injured passengers and drivers.
- Streetcar Accidents: New Orleans’ historic streetcars are a city icon, but accidents happen. We represent individuals injured while riding or struck by a streetcar.
Each of these case types requires a tailored legal strategy, and our attorneys have the knowledge and courtroom experience to hold negligent drivers, companies, and insurers accountable.
Catastrophic Injury Litigation in Louisiana
Brain Injury, Wrongful Death, and More
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Brain trauma can result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, or permanent disability. We work with medical experts to build strong cases for victims.
- Wrongful Death: When negligence results in the loss of a loved one, our attorneys help families seek justice through financial compensation and accountability.
- Birth Injury: Injuries at or before delivery can change the course of a child’s life. We represent families affected by medical negligence during labor and delivery.
- Other Serious Accidents: From spinal cord injuries to severe burns, we handle cases where catastrophic harm requires lifelong care.
We understand the emotional and financial strain these cases place on families. Our team combines compassion with tenacity, ensuring victims and their loved ones are not left to face these challenges alone.
Premises Liability and Negligence Cases
Protecting Victims of Unsafe Properties
Property owners in Louisiana have a duty to maintain safe environments. When they fail, serious injuries can occur. The Gertler Law Firm represents clients harmed by unsafe or negligent property conditions:
- Premises Liability: From unsafe stairways to inadequate lighting, we hold property owners accountable for dangerous conditions.
- Slip & Fall: Slips, trips, and falls can cause severe injuries, especially for older adults. We pursue claims against negligent businesses, landlords, and property owners.
- Dog & Animal Bites: Attacks can result in lasting physical and emotional scars. We help victims recover compensation for medical care and trauma.
- Nursing Home Abuse: Elderly residents deserve dignity and safety. We represent families whose loved ones suffered neglect, injury, or abuse in care facilities.
Our attorneys are known for tackling challenging cases against some of the largest corporations in the country. We combine legal knowledge with investigative resources to give our clients an edge.
Product Liability and Dangerous Substances
From Defective Products to Toxic Exposure
When products, medications, or industrial materials cause harm, manufacturers and corporations must be held responsible. Our firm has decades of experience in complex product liability and toxic tort cases:
- Product Liability: Dangerous consumer goods, defective machinery, and unsafe household items.
- Mesothelioma & Asbestos: We’ve handled some of Louisiana’s earliest and most significant asbestos lawsuits, providing support to victims and families.
- Pressure Cooker & Consumer Product Claims: When everyday products malfunction, we help injured consumers pursue justice.
- Defective Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals: From faulty hip and knee implants to recalled drugs and chemical exposures like Roundup, we take on powerful manufacturers.
Our attorneys are known for tackling challenging cases against some of the largest corporations in the country. We combine legal knowledge with investigative resources to give our clients an edge.
Workplace & Legal Needs After an Injury
Workers’ Compensation, Construction Accidents, and Successions
Not all injuries occur on highways or in hospitals. Many happen at work, on construction sites, or even during routine daily activities. The Gertler Law Firm assists clients with work-related injuries and legal matters tied to personal injury cases:
- Workers’ Compensation: Led by attorney Leah R. Rhodes, our workers’ comp team brings unique insight from decades of experience representing both insurers and injured workers.
- Construction Accidents: From scaffolding falls to equipment failures, we handle complex workplace accident cases involving contractors, property owners, and insurers.
- Louisiana Successions: When an injury or wrongful death intersects with estate matters, we guide families through Louisiana succession law.
- Wills: We provide counsel on wills and related matters that often become critical after serious injury or wrongful death cases.
These cases often involve multiple parties, complex insurance issues, and strict deadlines. Our attorneys are prepared to guide you through every step.
Why Choose the Gertler Law Firm
A Personal Injury Team with Proven Results
Clients choose us because we have the history, resources, and courtroom experience to make a difference. Highlights include:
- More than 50 years of service: Serving clients throughout New Orleans and Louisiana.
- National recognition: Recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as one of the Best Law Firms for Personal Injury and Product Liability.
- Honors & awards: Multiple distinctions, including Louisiana Super Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and Lawyer of the Year awards.
- Landmark litigation: Leadership in cases such as Louisiana’s $591 million tobacco litigation judgment.
When your future depends on the outcome of a case, you want a firm with a proven record of success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury in Louisiana
Common Questions From Injury Victims
What qualifies as a personal injury case in Louisiana?
Any injury caused by another party’s negligence, whether in a car accident, workplace, hospital, or unsafe property, may qualify as a personal injury claim.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Orleans?
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations is generally one year from the date of injury, though exceptions exist in some cases. Acting quickly is critical.
Do I need to go to court for a personal injury claim?
Not always. Many claims are settled through negotiation, but our firm prepares every case as if it will go to trial.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
At the Gertler Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
What compensation can I recover after an accident?
Damages may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long term care needs. In wrongful death cases, families may recover funeral expenses and other losses.
How do contingency fees work?
Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything.