Former court clerk sues over unpaid work comp claim

A former minute clerk at the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court claims she was unlawfully denied worker's compensation, according to a suit filed May 6 in Orleans Parish District Court.

Wilma Mpelo served as a minute clerk for Section J in the OPCDC until she became disabled by an on-the-job, work-related injury. The lawsuit does not provide details as to the nature of Mpelo's injury.

Mpelo is represented by Philip Montelepre.

She claims she has been denied coverage since her last day of employment April 30, 2009, "despite several requests by telephone, letter and even personal appearance at her place of employment," the suit states.

The suit also claims that Mpelo "made several efforts to remain in her job ... pursuant La.R.S. 23:322(9)" and that the "lawsuit is authorized by La.R.S. 32:303 and that [Mpelo] has made several efforst to resolve this matter by pre-suit mediation."

Orleans Parish Case 2010-04687