News from April 2016
Two construction workers allege former employers failed to pay proper wages
NEW ORLEANS — Two construction workers are suing thee companies and two supervisors, alleging unpaid wages and violation of workers compensation law.
Both sides of Baton Rouge AIDS Healthcare Foundation suit say protest had no bearing on settlement
BATON ROUGE – A small protest outside an AIDS Healthcare Foundation's office in Baton Rouge last week had no bearing on the announced settlement of the foundation's lawsuit against the city, spokesmen for both sides said in separate interviews.
Fourth Circuit affirms lower court ruling allowing New Orleans WTC development to move ahead
NEW ORLEANS – Depending on which side is issuing the statement, a Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal's decision handed down on April 20 in the former World Trade Center development dispute either is hugely important or just a procedure.
Legal ramifications of the Deepwater Horizon disaster live on 6 years later
BATON ROUGE -- Wednesday, April 20, marked the six-year anniversary
of the fatal explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig and subsequent oil spill that
sent millions of gallons of oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico. Six years later, the legal and environmental ramifications live on.
Louisiana watchdog group: SB 254 is about generating lawsuits, not equal pay
BATON ROUGE -- The Louisiana Senate passed a bill that would require many private employers to compensate men and women equally for the same work. Opponents, however, argue the bill would not only contradict federal and state laws prohibiting the discrimination addressed in the proposed bill, but it would open a floodgate of lawsuits.
Baton Rouge lawyer: First Amendment protection of public employee speech is complicated
BATON ROUGE – Questions of freedom of speech and employee rights have skyrocketed with the increasing popularity of social media, but as a Louisiana lawyer points out, the answers are dependent on the situation, especially when it comes to employees of public agencies.
Gibson Energy Inc., Omni Energy Services Corp. file suit against insurance companies
LAFAYETTE – Two energy companies have filed a suit against their insurance companies over claims they have denied coverage in regards to a lawsuit.
Iberia Parish woman accuses local police of violating civil rights in killing her dog
LAFAYETTE — An Iberia Parish woman is suing local law enforcement officers, alleging they violated her civil rights in shooting her dog to death.
Consumer accuses pharmaceutical companies of manufacturing defect
NEW ORLEANS — A consumer is suing a group of pharmaceutical companies, alleging their drug caused him pain and illness.
Bill that could cost Two Canal Street Investors millions passes Senate, moves to House
NEW ORLEANS – Legislation that could cost the losing bidder suing the city of New Orleans over the former World Trade Center development millions of dollars almost unanimously passed the state Senate earlier this week and is now in the House, over the objections of the losing bidder.
Complaint against private investigator in Vitter 'spying' incident not expected to get far
NEW ORLEANS – An ethics complaint filed by investigative journalist and blogger Jason Berry with the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) late last year against lawyer-turned-private-investigator Wes Bearden for allegedly suborning perjury may not get very far, according to local legal expert.
Man alleges companies misrepresent Xarelto
NEW ORLEANS – An estate administrator alleges a drug used to decrease the risk of pulmonary embolism led to injuries that caused an Alabama woman's death.
Stone Diagnostic Laboratories LLC files suit against California company
NEW ORLEANS – A Jefferson Parish laboratory services provider is suing a California corporation over allegations of breach of contract.
Lawyer: Poor record keeping to blame for Universal Care's alleged Medicaid fraud
BATON ROUGE - The owner of Universal Care LLC, which had offices in Bastrop and Monroe, along with three employees recently pled guilty to charges related to allegations that they committed Medicaid fraud, but a lawyer for three of the women said any crime they committed was simply sloppy administrative work.
Entergy Operations accused of not paying overtime
BATON ROUGE – Security team members are suing their former employer over allegations that they were not paid overtime.
Woman alleges Kenilworth Playground violates ADA
NEW ORLEANS – A disabled person is suing the city of New Orleans City, alleging that the Kenilworth Playground has architectural barriers that prevented her from fully using the property.
Texas man alleges Xarelto caused injuries
NEW ORLEANS – A Texas man has filed suit against several pharmaceutical companies, alleging that they fraudulently represented Xarelto to the medical and health care community.
Lab director alleges U.S. government unfairly closed facility
NEW ORLEANS — A laboratory director is suing the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, alleging violation of his professional rights.
Two Canal Street Investors president may fight judge's order he submit to deposition, attorney says
NEW ORLEANS – An Orleans Civil District judge exceeded her authority earlier this week when she ordered the president of a development company suing the city over the former World Trade Center to submit to deposition, a defense attorney said in an interview with the Louisiana Record.
Bank of America alleges borrowers owe nearly $700,000
NEW ORLEANS — Bank of America is suing a business and two individuals, alleging default on an agreed-upon payment.