Rental situations are often particularly hairy, with unfortunate stories emerging of how renters can be put into uncomfortable circumstances due to issues with the property. A landlord in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, lost his appeal of the landlord liability judgment against him. While the landlord was able to collect some of…
Articles Posted in Negligence
Malicious Prosecution Case Lends Elements of Successful Gain
Two former employees of a large loan business located in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, succeeded in their malicious prosecution against their former employer. Deborah LeBlanc and Teri Shirey left the Cash Back Loans company where they both had held management positions. After their employment terminated, Linda Mills, another employee began reorganizing…
Deposition Two-Step: Conflicting Reasons for Quitting Job Early Leads to Perjury Charge
This case is a welcome reminder of how an attorney’s advice may sometimes lead to more harm than good. Brown brought suit against his former employer, Skagit, under Title VII claiming racial harassment and constructive discharge. In a deposition, Brown testified that his sole reason for quitting his job at…
Timeliness to Rebuild in New Orleans Still an Issue after Hurricane Katrina
The idea of timeliness is a common contract clause that requires that one of the parties perform a mandatory act within a certain amount of time. There is often a specific amount of time attached, but sometimes the clause can simply state that an action be carried out “within a…
Third Circuit Upholds Alexandria Doctor’s Actions As Within Standard of Care
Every year thousands of medical malpractice claims are filed. Why? The answer is simple. The practice of medicine is complex, and, as advanced as our medical sciences are, mistakes are made, false diagnosis are given, and new conditions emerge. Since there are so many complexities, the fact that a patient…
Class Action Goes to Federal Court in Texas Plant Release Case
Class actions are a type of action that most people have heard of but that may not be well understood. In Klier v. Elf Atochem North America, Inc. a class action was initiated against the operator of an industrial plant in Bryan, Texas. The class was divided into three subclasses…
Happy Holidays to all of our Friends
Happy Holidays from the Berniard Law Firm! We will resume blog posting on Tuesday.
Lawsuit Over Jackson Parish Car Wreck Dismissed Due to Late Filing
Under Louisiana law, the plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit may file his complaint with the court by fax. However, the plaintiff must, within five days of transmitting the fax, forward to the clerk of court the original, signed complaint and any fees that are due. If the plaintiff fails…
Texas Class Action Regarding Chemical Release Demonstrates Premise of “Close Enough” in Doctrines
Our system of law is designed to handle most situations. A great deal of situations can be dealt with under the doctrines of law. Our system also has a failsafe of to ensure basic fairness when law provides no satisfying result. Equitable doctrines fill in the gaps in law. Historically…
Shreveport Liability Tested in Respondeat Superior Claim After Home Invasion
A recent case decided by the Court of Appeal for the Second Circuit of Louisiana demonstrates the legal principle of respondeat superior. In Cote v. City of Shreveport, the plaintiff’s house was broken into and she and her daughter were held captive at knifepoint by the intruder. The intruder had…