In Louisiana, there are certain steps that need to be taken in order to file a case for medical malpractice. In order to get a case to trial, a plaintiff must first submit a malpractice petition to a medical review board. The board reviews the facts surrounding a case and…
Articles Posted in Insurance Dispute
Legal Remedy for People With Mesothelioma Due to Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos-related illnesses have impacted many families throughout the nation. The impact of asbestos exposure can lead to serious terminal illnesses. Partly as a response to such illnesses, the federal government created the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act (LHWCA). The act provides injury and occupational-disease protection for those who work…
Passing Poses Problems: Automobile Accident Liability for Passing Vehicles on the Roadways
Accidents are a common occurrence for automobile drivers. In fact, in 2009, there were 73,900 injuries caused by automobile accidents in the state of Louisiana. However, when one is injured in such an accident, liability is often difficult to assign. In other words, it takes a fact-finder to determine who…
Asbestos Exposure Case Shows Importance of Early Medical and Legal Prognosis
In late 2010, the Court of Appeal of Louisiana, Fourth Circuit, shed some light on how the sale of a company may impact claims made by employees against the successor company in Pichon v. Asbestos Defendants AG. The plaintiffs in the case were the wife and children of the deceased…
Understanding Claims Involving Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
In August 2007, Dwight Phillips was dropping off his step-son, Joseph Shelvin, at school. The school’s principal, Louella Cook, noticed that Phillips’ vehicle was in the school’s bus-unloading area. After noticing Dwight’s vehicle, Phillips approached Dwight and informed him that he was unloading the child in the wrong area. She…
Homer Car Wreck Case Examines Insurance Policy’s Treatment of Intentional Injury
On the evening of August 2, 2005, Latiffany Dunn slowed her car as she approached the intersection of Pearl and Washington Streets in Homer, Louisiana. As she came to a stop, a vehicle driven by Latonya Harris pulled up beside Dunn’s vehicle. Shatara Harris, Latonya’s sister, was a passenger in…
The Louisiana Supreme Court Reduces Damages for Exposure to Toxic Chemical Leaked by Plant in Taft, Louisiana
A Union Carbide Corporation plant facility in Taft, Louisiana, leaked a toxic chemical compound for at least seventeen hours on September 10th and 11th in 1998. Rainwater accumulation from Tropical Storm Frances caused partial collapse of the floating roof on a large tank storing liquid naphtha. Consequently, a tank seal…
Sexual Assault Case Illustrates Exceptions to Lawsuits and Need for Qualified Attorney
Falling victim to a sexual assault is a nightmare that too many people in the Gulf Coast, and across America, are forced to fear. While most people think of such an incident in the realm of criminal charges, there are very real civil elements to such an event that are…
Heart Stent Procedures Done Without any Need
After having faced a significant heart-related scare and receiving a stent implant, many patients are now facing a rather unbelievable reality: it has been discovered that doctors across the nation have been performing unnecessary surgical procedures in order to financially benefit. Doctors, implanting the device intended to unblock clogged heart…
Berniard Law Firm Unveils New iPhone Application
The Berniard Law Firm is proud to announce the release of an innovative new iPhone application that can be considered a must-have for individuals in the Gulf Coast. With extensive versatility and options including multiple contact points for our attorneys, as well as consistent site updates that will keep you…