Fontana & Seelman, LLP

In the dynamic and often challenging legal environment of New Orleans, businesses, employers, and insurance carriers frequently require highly specialized legal defense to navigate complex claims and litigation. From workers' compensation disputes to general liability matters and specialized maritime cases, having a law firm with a proven track record and deep industry knowledge is essential. Fontana & Seelman, LLP stands as a dedicated defense firm in the heart of New Orleans, offering extensive experience and strategic legal counsel to protect the interests of their clients across Louisiana. This article will provide an in-depth look at Fontana & Seelman, LLP, highlighting its key practice areas, distinguishing features, and why it is a highly suitable choice for local businesses and insurers in the region.

Fontana & Seelman, LLP has built its reputation on a foundation of focused defense litigation. While the firm's name has seen some evolution over the years (formerly known as Hunter & Fontana, L.L.P. and then Fontana, Seelman & Landry, L.L.P. around 2007, and operating now as Fontana & Seelman, LLP), its core commitment to rigorous defense remains steadfast. The firm's attorneys, including key figures like Richard L. Seelman, bring decades of experience to the table, particularly in defending major liability and workers' compensation insurance carriers and self-insured employers. This deep specialization means clients benefit from a nuanced understanding of the specific laws, regulations, and court interpretations that govern these complex areas in Louisiana.

The firm’s approach is characterized by a strong emphasis on litigation, with a significant portion of their practice dedicated to courtroom advocacy. However, their counsel extends beyond just trial work, encompassing proactive advice aimed at mitigating risks and resolving disputes efficiently. They have a history of representing numerous governmental entities, further demonstrating their capacity to handle high-stakes cases for significant clients. For businesses, insurers, and employers in Louisiana, Fontana & Seelman, LLP offers not just legal representation, but a strategic partnership aimed at achieving favorable outcomes and minimizing financial exposure in challenging defense scenarios.

Fontana & Seelman, LLP is conveniently located at 1010 Common Street, Suite 2300, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. This prominent address places the firm in the bustling central business district of New Orleans, making it easily accessible for clients throughout the city and the wider Louisiana region. Common Street is a major artery in downtown New Orleans, known for its concentration of professional offices, commercial establishments, and its immediate proximity to key courthouses and governmental buildings.

The accessibility of this location is a significant advantage for local clients utilizing public transportation. The firm is within easy walking distance of several New Orleans streetcar lines, which provide excellent connectivity to various parts of the city. Additionally, numerous bus routes operate in the downtown area, offering further convenient options for public transit. For clients who prefer to drive, while street parking can be competitive in a busy urban center, there are multiple commercial parking garages available in the immediate vicinity of 1010 Common Street, providing practical solutions for client visits. This prime and easily reachable location underscores Fontana & Seelman, LLP’s commitment to being available and approachable to its diverse clientele across Louisiana.

Fontana & Seelman, LLP specializes in defense litigation, primarily serving insurance carriers, self-insured employers, and businesses. Their core services include:

• Workers' Compensation Defense: Representing employers and their insurers in all aspects of workers' compensation claims, from initial claim evaluation and negotiation to defending against claims in state and federal courts. This includes handling issues related to temporary total disability, medical benefits, and occupational diseases.

• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) Defense: Providing specialized defense for employers and insurers under the LHWCA, which covers maritime workers outside of typical state workers' compensation laws. This is particularly relevant given New Orleans' status as a major port city.

• General Liability Defense: Defending individuals, businesses, and insurance carriers against a wide range of general liability claims, including premises liability, personal injury, and other negligence-based lawsuits in both state and federal courts.

• Insurance and Casualty Defense: Representing insurance companies in various casualty defense matters, working to protect their interests and mitigate their exposure in litigation.

• Maritime Defense: Offering defense services in admiralty and maritime law matters, including personal injury claims under the Jones Act, maintenance and cure claims, and other maritime disputes relevant to the shipping and offshore industries.

• Transportation Law: Providing defense for clients involved in transportation-related litigation, which could include trucking accidents, cargo claims, and regulatory compliance issues within the transportation sector.

• Corporate Law (Defense Focus): While broad corporate law may not be their primary focus, their work with corporate clients in defense matters often involves aspects of corporate law relevant to liability and business operations.

• Litigation & Appeals: A significant portion of their practice is devoted to litigation, indicating extensive experience in trial advocacy and appellate work in both state and federal courts.

Fontana & Seelman, LLP distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that make it a formidable choice for defense litigation in Louisiana:

• Decades of Specialized Defense Experience: With key attorneys like Richard L. Seelman having over 25 years of experience, the firm boasts deep expertise in defending workers' compensation, general liability, and maritime claims for insurers and employers.

• Focus on Insurance and Employer Defense: Their highly specialized practice areas ensure that they possess in-depth knowledge of the unique challenges and strategies required to effectively represent insurance carriers, self-insured employers, and governmental entities.

• Strong Litigation Percentage: A significant portion of their practice is devoted to litigation (e.g., Richard L. Seelman has 75% of his practice devoted to litigation), highlighting their comfort and proficiency in courtroom advocacy and trial work.

• Maritime Law Expertise: Their specific focus on maritime defense, including Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act claims, is a crucial asset in a major port city like New Orleans, where such cases are prevalent.

• Admitted in Multiple Jurisdictions: Attorneys at the firm are admitted to practice in various state and federal courts (e.g., Louisiana, Illinois, Alabama state bars, multiple U.S. District Courts, and U.S. Courts of Appeals), enabling them to handle cases with broader geographical implications.

• AV Preeminent® Rating: Key attorneys hold an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, signifying the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards, as judged by their peers.

• Commitment to Quality Legal Services: According to associated firm information, their goal has always been to "offer quality legal services in a timely manner at an affordable price," aiming for efficiency and value.

As a highly specialized defense firm serving businesses and insurance entities, Fontana & Seelman, LLP typically does not offer consumer-style "promotions" or "special offers." Their value proposition is built on their extensive experience, proven results, and the strategic legal counsel they provide. However, like other professional legal services, they prioritize initial engagement and clear communication regarding fees:

• Initial Consultations: While not explicitly stated as "free" for all case types, it is standard practice for defense firms to offer initial consultations to potential clients. This allows for a discussion of the legal issue, an assessment of how the firm can assist, and an opportunity to establish a professional relationship before formal engagement. Businesses and insurers are encouraged to contact them directly for such inquiries.

• Transparent Fee Structures: During initial discussions, the firm will outline its fee arrangements, which are typically based on hourly rates for defense litigation, or retainer agreements. Transparency in billing is a key aspect of their client relationship.

Prospective clients in Louisiana seeking robust defense representation are encouraged to contact Fontana & Seelman, LLP directly to discuss their specific legal needs.

For businesses, self-insured employers, and insurance carriers in Louisiana seeking dedicated and experienced legal defense, Fontana & Seelman, LLP can be reached at:

• Address: 1010 Common, 1010 Common St #2300, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

• Phone: (504) 566-1801

• Mobile Phone: +1 504-566-1801

Their central downtown New Orleans location ensures convenient access for clients across the metropolitan area and beyond.

For businesses, employers, and insurance carriers operating within Louisiana, particularly in the dynamic economic hub of New Orleans, Fontana & Seelman, LLP stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal resource for defense litigation. Their strategic location on Common Street in downtown New Orleans ensures optimal accessibility, making it convenient for clients from across the city and surrounding parishes to access their specialized legal counsel.

What truly makes Fontana & Seelman, LLP ideal for locals is their unwavering focus and deep expertise in defense law. Louisiana's unique legal landscape, particularly concerning workers' compensation, general liability, and maritime claims (given its status as a major port), demands specialized knowledge. The firm's attorneys, with decades of experience dedicated to defending the interests of employers and insurers, possess this critical understanding. They are not just lawyers; they are strategic partners who comprehend the nuances of local regulations and court procedures, having a significant portion of their practice dedicated to litigation.

Their proven track record in complex defense cases, including those under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, provides immense reassurance to local businesses navigating potential liabilities. By choosing Fontana & Seelman, LLP, clients are opting for a firm that offers sophisticated legal defense, backed by extensive experience and a commitment to protecting their financial and operational interests in Louisiana.