News from March 2016
More plaintiffs join class action against Lumber Liquidators
RESERVE – A law firm in Reserve now represents six complaints in the mounting class-action lawsuit against Lumber Liquidators, the embattled floor makers accused of selling Chinese-made laminates containing dangerous levels of formaldehyde.
Justice of the peace removed for misconduct has days remaining to request rehearing
NEW ORLEANS – Former Ascension Parish Justice of the Peace Leroy Laiche Jr. has only days remaining to ask the Louisiana Supreme Court to reconsider its decision last week to remove him for misconduct.
New Orleans World Trade Center project moving ahead, despite October trial date
NEW ORLEANS – The trial date is set for a lawsuit that challenges New Orleans' lease to a Four Seasons developer of the vacant World Trade Center tower but that developer is moving ahead with work on the project, a spokesman said.
Appeal over Saints owner's competency claims he should have testified in court
NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson faces further court action after his daughter and grandchildren filed an appeal challenging lower courts’ rulings that the billionaire is mentally competent to run his sports teams.
Petroleum business alleges no responbility for injury on vessel
NEW ORLEANS – A petroleum company is alleging it has no legal responsibility for a worker who says he was injured on one of its vessels.
Insurance company alleges it does not provide coverage for foundation damages
BATON ROUGE – An insurance company alleges it holds no responsibility for coverage for foundation damages caused by flooding.
Louisiana ACLU backs Supreme Court Chief Justice's warnings about underfunded public defenders
BATON ROUGE – Louisiana's American Civil Liberties Union has thrown its weight behind the state's Supreme Court Chief Justice's dire warnings about the present crisis of underfunded public defenders that has left thousands of litigants on waiting lists.
Law prof: Suspended Dumas' penalty reasonable
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Supreme Court in early February suspended the law license of Walter C. Dumas for two years, citing misconduct and negligence in mishandling a client's funds. The Baton Rouge attorney has been practicing law for more than four decades.
Chalkley Fields owners dispute court costs
LAKE CHARLES – The owner of an oil, gas, and mineral lease in Chalkley Field in Cameron Parish is seeking reimbursement from the other lease holders over alleged court costs in a settlement suit.
Bank company accuses ship owners of unpaid mortgage
NEW ORLEANS — An Orleans Parish bank is suing the owners of the two motor vessels, alleging unpaid mortgage payments.
Worker accuses Texas communications business of wrongful termination
SHREVEPORT — A Bossier Parish woman suffering from IBS is suing a Texas communications company, alleging she was wrongfully terminated for taking leave in accordance with the FMLA.
Oil company alleges it is not liable for deadly explosion
LAKE CHARLES – Texas Petroleum Investments Company (TPIC) is alleging it did not act in negligence over a fatal accident.
Welder alleges Bollinger Shipyards refused to let him return to work
NEW ORLEANS – A Louisiana welder supervisor and leaderman is suing a Lafourche Parish shipyard owner, alleging the company wrongfully refused to allow him to work despite a medical release from his doctor.
Charter schools seek injunction against New Orleans school board
NEW ORLEANS – Two non-profit charter school corporations are suing the school board of Orleans Parish and its superintendent, over alleged changes in funding allocation.
Technician blames rig owners for concussion, facial injuries
LAFAYETTE — A torque technician is suing the owners and operators of a maritime rig, alleging their negligence caused him severe injuries.
EDITORIAL: AG Jeff Landry Moves Quickly to End the “Buddy System”
Less than two months after taking office, Attorney General Jeff Landry is wasting no time declaring that there is a new sheriff in town.
Consulting firm accuses subcontractor of failure to pay
NEW ORLEANS – A mechanical, electric and plumbing/fire consulting service is suing a New Orleans subcontractor, alleging unpaid invoices.
Maritime worker blames vessel's owners for severe injuries
NEW ORLEANS — A Terrebonne Parish maritime worker is suing the owners of a shipping vessel, alleging negligence for causing him to fall and severely injure himself.
Employees allege Evangeline Home Center failed to pay proper wages
LAFAYETTE — Two former employees are suing a Carencro home retail stores, alleging unpaid minimum wage and overtime compensation.
Seaman alleges negligence in on-job accident
NEW ORLEANS - A Lafayette man is suing over injuries he allegedly sustained while working on an offshore drilling vessel.