In Darren Dugas, et al v. Bayou Teche Water Works, et al, the Third Circuit Court of Appeal for Louisiana (“Court”) provided guidance on Louisiana statute La. R.S. 9:5624, which limits the liability of any government entity in Louisiana in connection with a public works for a two-year statutory period.…
Articles Posted in Miscellaneous
Asbestos Cases Always Difficult, Involve Negligence and Diverse Defendant Groups
The use of asbestos in products such as concrete, bricks, pipes, and other building materials has made way for a large amount of litigation on asbestos-related diseases and deaths. This litigation can help victims of the chemical and their families find some sort of meaning and relief from the toxic…
Motorist Found Negligent Following Collision with Police Cruiser in Monroe, LA
The Louisiana Court of Appeal for the Second Circuit recently upheld a trial court decision finding a Monroe motorist negligent following a minor collision in which she was rear-ended by a police cruiser as she was pulling across five-lane Forsythe Avenue. The plaintiff, Cathy Griffin, sued the City of Monroe…
Maritime and Industry Injury Cases Quite Complex (Continued)
In Catalyst Old River Hydroelectric Limited Partnership v. Ingram Barge Co.; American River Transportation Co., the 5th Circuit revisits the decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court in Robins Dry Dock Co. v. Flint, 275 U.S. 303(1927): a foundational precedent for both maritime law specifically, and modern negligence law, generally.…
Maritime and Industry Injury Cases Quite Complex
The Town of Vidalia and the Parish of Concordia have the honor and distinction of being the beneficiary and location, respectively, of the largest prefabricated power plant in the world and the first hydroelectric power plant in the State of Louisiana. In 1990 the Sidney A. Murray Jr. hydroelectric station…
Fourth of July Offers Reminder of Danger of Negligence and Need for Common Sense, Attention to Safety
July 4th, though best known as an occasion for grilling out, visiting the beach or lake, and watching the fireworks, is unfortunately also notorious for its high incidence of accidents and injuries. Many incidents, especially vehicle and boat accidents, are related to alcohol use. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission recently…
On-the-Job Injury at Sea: The Jones Act, Employer Negligence, and Claims for Unseaworthiness
In any workplace, an on-the-job injury can have serious repercussions, both medical and legal, for the injured employee and their employer. However, if the injured employee is a seaman, additional maritime laws and standards may apply when an injury occurs. For individuals working on ships, in shipyards, or in any…
Complex Nature of the Allocation of Fault in Negligence Cases
When an unexpected personal injury occurs, the injured party may find the situation requires legal action. An injured person deserves to know where the money to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and incidental expenses stemming from an injury will come from, and in many cases a legal claim can…
Battery Appeal from Wester Parish Examines Precedent for Intentional Torts
Recently, Louisiana’s 2nd Circuit heard a civil suit in which the court examined the possible affirmative defenses for defendants of intentional tort cases when the actions of that defendant resulted from an aggressive plaintiff. In the case of Griffith v. Young, Mr. Young appealed the 26th district decision to grant…
The Difficulties Abound in a Discrimination Case Regarding the Disabled
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), disabled employees are protected from discriminatory treatment by their employers. The Act protects disabled employees from discrimination with regard to hiring, promotions, termination, compensation, training, and various other conditions of employment. Unfortunately, the Act’s protection is limited – only “qualified employees” are protected…