News from February 2016
La. attorney general joins governor in dropping Common Core case
BATON ROUGE — Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and Gov. John Bel Edwards have reached at least a temporary accord over federal lawsuits filed while Bobby Jindal was the state's governor.
Oil industry president calls potential environmental lawsuits 'money grabs'
As the St. Bernard Parish Council contemplates filing lawsuits against energy companies for alleged damage to fragile wetlands and other areas near drilling sites, the president of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association says any such litigation is simply a "money grab."
District court judge wants to improve efficiency of Louisiana Supreme Court
LAFAYETTE – Judge Marilyn Castle of the the 15th Judicial District said she will rule fairly and impartially if she is elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court.
La. attorney accused of derogatory language expects to be disbarred, but says he's being 'railroaded'
An attorney accused of using racially offensive words and other derogatory terms to describe judges and other lawyers said it is a forgone conclusion that he will be permanently disbarred.
Business, environmental groups challenge the NOAA over decision to allow aqua farms
NEW ORLEANS – Several environmental groups and businesses have taken the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to court challenging their decision to allow aqua farms in federally protected waters of the Gulf of Mexico region.
Ex-marketing exec alleges Renaissance RX involved in ploy to deceive investors
NEW ORLEANS — A marketing executive briefly employed by a New Orleans biotech company has filed suit against the firm, claiming she was enticed to work for it to help secure tens of millions in funding from an outside investor as part of ploy to create the appearance of a solid company.
Cameron Parish adds to oil and gas industry woes by filing suit over coastal damage
NEW ORLEANS — Cameron Parish filed at least 11 lawsuits against more than 100 oil and gas companies on Monday in what is a "litigious legal system," according to the president of one of the state’s trade associations.
Wastewater Specialties accused of not paying overtime
LAKE CHARLES – A former employee of Wastewater Specialties has filed a civil suit claiming the company failed to pay her overtime wages.
Fire truck mechanic seeks damages over defamation allegations
NEW ORLEANS – A fire truck mechanic alleges his former employer engaged in malicious acts to sully his name during his employment and after he was terminated.
Behind the Fence sued over allegedly illegal broadcasting of UFC fight
LAFAYETTE – A licensor of sporting events is taking a local bar to court over what it claims was an unlawful access to its television program.
Cancer patient alleges Prudential unlawfully denied him disability benefits
NEW ORLEANS – A cancer survivor is taking Prudential to court claiming that the insurance company wrongfully denied his disability claims.
Former Allen Correctional Center inmate sues operators for alleged denial of medical care
LAFAYETTE – An inmate previously confined at Allen Correctional Center is taking the center's operator to court after allegedly suffering an injury when a ceiling tile fell on him.
A N S Engines accused of allegedly faulty repairs
NEW ORLEANS – The owners of a charter vessel are seeking damages against a repair company for allegedly bad workmanship.
Woman claims that Ochsner refused to hire her due to her history with the EEOC
NEW ORLEANS – A lab technician is taking Ochsner Health Systems to court over what she claims was a hiring bias against her due to prior Equal Employment Opportunity Commission activities.
Blue Cross Blue Shield taken to court over coverage of transportation costs
NEW ORLEANS – The parent of a child who suffers from osteogenesis claims that Blue Cross Blue Shield has failed to properly pay the transportation costs it allegedly was to cover.
Reforms needed to protect Louisiana consumers
If plaintiffs’ lawyers had their way last year, you may not have had Maker’s Mark bourbon during Mardi Gras.
St. Bernard Parish's president criticized for signing contract with firm that donated to campaign
Guy McInnis, the new president of St. Bernard Parish, recently signed a contract on behalf of the parish with a law firm whose partners made the largest possible contributions to his election campaign, $5,000 each.
Oil and gas association disturbed by signals parish council might sue
BATON ROUGE — The signing by a Louisiana parish president of a contract with a law firm with a history of filing environment damage suits is “very disturbing,” according to the president of the state’s oldest industry trade association.
Barataria Plaza and Rum Runner Cafe facing lawsuit over alleged ADA violations
NEW ORLEANS – The owners of Barataria Plaza Shopping Center and Rum Runner are being taken to court over alleged accessibility problems.
Houma resident alleges Cindy R damaged his property
NEW ORLEANS – A property owner is holding the operators and owners of the vessel Cindy R responsible for damages after an alleged collision.