News from February 2011
DOJ attorney says feds' focus on environmental justice is 'reinvigorated'
Simms Department of Justice attorney Patrice Simms told a gathering of defense lawyers in New Orleans today that the federal government's focus on environmental justice has become "reinvigorated."
BP shareholders protest Barbier order to Ellison
Barbier HOUSTON – In a test of strength between judges presiding over claims from the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill, lawyers prod one to repeal the other's rules.
Worker claims she was wrongfully fired for missing work while in jail
A cook who was fired after missing a few days of work while in jail on drug and traffic violation charges, claims her civil rights were violated.
Improper lane change caused tractor-trailer wreck on Huey Long Bridge, suit claims
After receiving injuries in a wreck on the Huey P. Long Bridge, a Jefferson Parish resident has filed a lawsuit against the truck driver claiming that the tractor-trailer hit his vehicle when attempting to change lanes.
Red light camera suit reassigned to fourth judge in Orleans Parish
A class action suit against the city of New Orleans has been reassigned to its fourth judge and now waits for conference dates to be set in Orleans Parish Civil District Court.
Shareholders: One more disaster and it's lights out for BP
Ajamie HOUSTON - One more disaster could spell the end for oil company BP, shareholders warn in federal litigation over losses from the Deepwater Horizon explosion and spill.
Judge denies motion for protective order in 'Who Dat' lawsuit
Cedillo Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby has denied a motion for a protective order filed by the New Orleans Saints in connection with litigation involving the ownership of the phrase "Who Dat," according to documents filed in federal court in New Orleans.
Asbestos jury trial set to start in Orleans Parish
A 10-day asbestos jury trial is set to begin in Judge Piper Griffin's courtroom on Feb. 14 in Orleans Parish Civil District Court.
Offshore worker sues after crane slams into platform
An offshore worker has filed a lawsuit against the operators of a crane after he was slammed into an offshore platform.
Construction company sued for failing to barricade boat launch
A Jefferson Parish couple has filed a lawsuit against a local construction company for failing to barricade a boat launch that was under construction.
Houston trucking company sued over accident
After a two vehicle collision in Jefferson Parish, a Houston trucking company is being sued for allegedly allowing a sleep-deprived truck driver to continue to operate its tractor-trailer.
FEMA and DHS sued over Orleans Parish 911 Call Center
Collings Orleans Parish Communication District filed a lawsuit against Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security in order to force the federal government to pay for replacing the Orleans Parish 911 Call Center, which was damaged during Hurricane Katrina.
Louisiana AG quietly switches to GOP
Caldwell After months of rumors, Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell officially announced that he has switched his party affiliation to Republican.
Barbier extends briefing deadline in BP MDL
Barbier U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier issued two orders Feb. 4 pertaining to the multi-district litigation (MDL) surrounding the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and subsequent BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Barbier's order takes control of BP trust fund
Barbier NEW ORLEANS – U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier seized jurisdiction over a $16 billion trust fund for oil spill damage claims.
Orleans Parish Clerk states all mortgage records recovered
All the Orleans Parish mortgage and conveyance records lost in a computer crash in October 2010 have been recovered, according to Clerk of Court Dale Atkins.
Feinberg: Oyster harvesters will get double their losses
Feinberg The person in charge of a $20 billion BP oil spill compensation fund said Tuesday that claimants will have the opportunity to receive twice their damages from 2010 from "final payments."
Louisiana legal watchdog group says $52 million spent by municipalities on litigation
Landry The Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch (LLAW) released a study today stating that more than $52 million was spent by Louisiana municipalities fighting lawsuits from 2006-2009.
Barbier issues order reaffirming states rights to choose counsel in BP litigation
Caldwell U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier issued an order Tuesday reaffirming the rights of states in pursuing litigation against BP for damages relating to the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and subsequent oil spill.
Barbier rules Feinberg is an agent of BP
Barbier U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier issued a 15-page order stating that Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) administrator Kenneth Feinberg "cannot be considered 'neutral' or totally 'independent' of BP."