A recent Louisiana Court of Appeal for the Fifth Circuit decision has underscored a crucial procedural point in the state’s legal system: not all judgments are created equal. In Holmes v. Paul, the court dismissed an appeal because the trial court’s judgment, while seemingly resolving the main dispute, left a…
Articles Posted in Litigation
Can You Gift a Racehorse with a Handshake? Louisiana Court Clarifies the Rules on Donating Property
A recent Louisiana Court of Appeal decision has underscored the importance of adhering to legal formalities when gifting significant assets, even within a romantic relationship. The case involved a dispute over the ownership of a thoroughbred racehorse, highlighting the specific requirements for making a valid donation under Louisiana law. Wesley…
Insurance Agent’s Negligence Costs Them in Court
A recent Louisiana Court of Appeal decision underscores the importance of insurance agents fulfilling their duties with reasonable diligence and care. In Upscale Fashions, Inc. v. Botsay Insurance Network, Inc., an insurance agent’s failure to properly procure and communicate coverage details led to a significant financial loss for the insured and…
Can a Hospital Be Held Liable for a Patient’s Sexual Assault that Occurred Offsite in Louisiana?
In a heart-wrenching case involving the sexual assault of a patient at an outpatient psychiatric treatment facility, the Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, recently affirmed a summary judgment that dismissed claims against two individual owners/officers of the facility. The decision, handed down in Sam v. Genesis Behavioral Hospital, underscores…
Louisiana Court Awards Damages in Car Accident Case Despite Pre-Existing Conditions
The recent decision in Anderson v. State from the Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, highlights the complexities of assessing damages in personal injury cases, particularly when the plaintiff has pre-existing medical conditions. The court’s ruling underscores the principle that even if a plaintiff has prior health issues, a defendant…
Louisiana Court Reinstates Summary Judgment in Medical Malpractice Case: The Importance of Timely Expert Evidence
In a recent decision, the Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, underscored the importance of adhering to procedural rules in medical malpractice cases. The case, Ogbebor v. Lafayette General Medical Center, involved the death of Mary Ogbebor and her husband’s subsequent lawsuit against the medical professionals involved in her care.…
When a Workplace Injury Crosses State Lines: Navigating the Complexities of Workers’ Compensation and Tort Liability
In today’s interconnected world, it’s not uncommon for employees to find themselves working across state lines. But what happens when an injury occurs in a different state than where the employment contract was formed? Whose laws apply? Can an injured worker sue their employer, or are they limited to workers’…
Mold, Rats, and the Law: When a Tenant’s Nightmare Isn’t the Landlord’s Fault
Imagine moving into your new apartment, only to find it’s more like a horror movie set than a cozy home. Mold creeping up the walls, evidence of unwanted rodent roommates… it’s enough to make anyone sick. But does that automatically mean your landlord is liable? A recent court case dives…
What Type of Expert Testimony Is Needed in a Louisiana Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
Providing sufficient expert testimony can be crucial to prevailing a medical malpractice lawsuit. But what happens when the court determines that the expert testimony offered by a doctor on the plaintiff’s behalf is insufficient because the doctor does not specialize in the same field as the defendant? Steven Richardson began…
Can a Criminal Investigation Lead to a Defamation Lawsuit Dismissal?
Today, in the age of ever-prevalent social media, it is easier than ever to express opinions about events and even other people. It is also easier for people to find one another’s statements, even if the people involved don’t know one another. Statements about emotionally charged events can harm a…