Louisiana attorney

steve wanko

Steve Wanko, a native of New Orleans, began his legal career defending insurance companies and large businesses.

In 2004, he founded the Wanko Law Firm, LLC. From day one, his firm concentrated on providing representation to Louisiana workers’ compensation claimants.

Mr. Wanko is also a skilled advocate who successfully tried over 30 judge and jury trials and handled complex appeals.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from LSU, an MBA from University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas and graduated from Tulane Law School.

He has appeared in front of all the Federal, District and Appellate Courts in Louisiana, including the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Mr. Wanko is the current president of the Louisiana Workers’ Advocates, a member of Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group, a national organization of workers’ compensation attorneys, and a member of Louisiana Association of Justice.

Representative cases that Mr. Wanko has handled for his clients:

Johnson v. Ace Am. Ins. Co., (La. App. 4 Cir., 2015)

Malancon v. Ace Transp., LLC (La. App. 1 Cir., 2014)

Paul v. Jefferson Parish Pub. Sch. Sys. (La. App. 5 Cir., 2013)

Dupre v. Surbo Tubular Servs., Inc., 113 So.3d 1090 (La. App., 2013)

Nitcher v. Northshore Reg’l Med. Ctr., 92 So.3d 1001 (La. App., 2012)

Redmann v. Bridgefield Cas. Ins. Co. , 88 So.3d 1087

(La. App., 2012) Flach v. Diebold, Inc., 99 So.3d 688 (La. App., 2012)

Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. v. Dir. Office of Worker’s Comp. Programs, 604 F.3d 864 (5th. Cir., 2010)

Quick v. Terrebonne Gen. Med. Ctr., 35 So.3d 287 (La. App. 1 Cir., 2010)

Hickerson v. Shaw Services, LLC, 989 So.2d 766 (La. App., 2008)

Marquez v. Jack Ussery Const., 964 So.2d 1045 (La. App., 2007)

Parr v. U.S. Exp. Enterprises, Inc., 946 So.2d 178 (La. App., 2006)

Taylor v. Tommie’s Gaming, 902 So.2d 380 (La., 2005)

Shaffer v. Brand Scaffold Builders, Inc., No. 2003 CA 0288 (La. App. 12/31/2003), 868 So.2d 149 (La. App., 2003)

Hall v. J.E. Merit Constructors, Inc., 2002 CA 2648 (La. App. 11/7/2003), 861 So.2d 224 (La. App., 2003)

Western Sizzlin Steakhouse v. McDuffie., 844 So.2d 355 (La. App., 2003)

Our Blog

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Who Qualifies for Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

February 24, 2026

Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation

If you were injured while working on or near the water in Louisiana, you may be wondering whether you qualify for benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, often called the LHWCA or simply the Longshore Act. This federal law provides workers’ compensation benefits to certain maritime employees who are injured on the […]

closeup image of the inside of a forklift

Are Forklift Crush Injuries Eligible for Additional Compensation in Louisiana?

February 18, 2026

Heavy Equipment Injuries

Forklift accidents are among the most serious workplace incidents in Louisiana warehouses, construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and industrial operations. When a worker is caught between a forklift and another surface, pinned beneath equipment, or struck by a heavy load, the resulting crush injuries can be catastrophic. Many injured workers in Louisiana wonder whether severe forklift […]

smiling young man driving a company vehicle at work

Do You Qualify for Workers’ Comp If You Were Injured While Driving a Company Vehicle?

February 3, 2026

Workers' Compensation

Many jobs require employees to drive as part of their workday. Whether you are making deliveries, visiting job sites, transporting equipment, or traveling between locations, being behind the wheel can expose you to serious risk. When a car accident happens in a company vehicle, injured workers often wonder if they qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. […]

Contact Louisiana Workers' Comp

Whether you have suffered an immediate injury or have endured a long-term disability or chronic illness, you deserve to have the support you need to recover. Our work injury attorneys will provide you with nothing less than compassionate understanding and exceptional legal counsel.

We’re eager to start advocating on your behalf.

CALL US (985) 893-6530

Wanko Workers' Comp Lawyers provides its service in New Orleans, Covington, Houma, Thibodaux, Mandeville and all across Louisiana