News from June 2024
Louisiana governor vetoes bill aimed at moderating medical damages calculations in civil suits
Louisiana’s insurance commissioner is calling for a special legislative session on legal reforms in the wake of Gov. Jeff Landry vetoing a bill favored by business groups that would have clarified medical payment amounts used to determine civil damages awards.
Just before civil rights suit trial, judge throws out motion to exclude doctor's testimony about plaintiff's brain injury
NEW ORLEANS – A Louisiana federal judge has thrown out a motion in limine which sought to exclude testimony from a doctor concerning a traumatic brain injury a plaintiff allegedly sustained, during her 2022 encounter with a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Deputy.
Louisiana federal courts outpace the nation in litigated insurance claims, new report says
Federal court districts in Louisiana have led the nation in processing litigated property insurance claims in recent years, with about one-third of such claims being filed in the Western District and Eastern District of Louisiana, a new study found.
Helicopter Pilot Sues Former Employer Over Retaliation After Whistleblowing on Unsafe Practices
A helicopter pilot has sued his former employer for alleged retaliation after reporting unsafe flying practices influenced by external pressures from a government agency. The plaintiff seeks significant damages for lost wages and emotional distress among other claims.
Former Clean-Up Worker’s Family Sues BP Over Fatal Health Issues Linked to Deepwater Horizon Spill
A new lawsuit filed in Louisiana alleges that exposure to toxic substances during clean-up efforts following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill led to severe health issues and eventual death of a worker involved in those efforts. The family seeks compensatory damages from BP Exploration & Production Inc., and BP America Production Company for their alleged negligence in handling the disaster’s aftermath.
Mother Sues Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Over Son's Fatal Shooting
Mallory Woodfork has filed a federal lawsuit against the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office and several deputies for allegedly using excessive force resulting in her son’s death on June 6, 2023. The suit seeks $5 million in damages and calls for policy changes within JPSO to prevent future incidents of this nature.
Registered Nurse Sues Major Healthcare Organization Over Disability Discrimination
Michelle DiGiacomo has filed a lawsuit against Ochsner Clinic Foundation alleging disability discrimination and wrongful termination under ADA and Title VII laws. The case highlights multiple instances where she faced undue hardships compared to non-disabled colleagues leading up to her resignation in March 2024.
Maritime worker sues multiple shipping companies over severe injuries
Joseph Patterson has filed a lawsuit against several shipping companies claiming severe injuries caused by their negligence during cargo operations aboard M/V Western London last year in Louisiana waters.
Louisiana resident sues local law enforcement over alleged police misconduct
A Louisiana resident has filed a lawsuit alleging severe police misconduct resulting in permanent injury during an arrest based on a bogus misdemeanor warrant issued three years prior. The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief including compensatory damages for physical injuries and emotional distress.
Plaintiff alleges negligence against correctional facility operators over brutal inmate attack
A new lawsuit filed by Sorita Elzey accuses multiple officials and entities responsible for operating Madison Parish Correctional Center (MPCC) of gross negligence leading to her son’s severe injuries from an inmate attack. The case sheds light on alleged systemic failures within Louisiana’s correctional facilities regarding inmate safety protocols.
Residents sue city over alleged voting rights violations following redistricting
A group of Rapides Parish residents has filed a lawsuit against the City of Alexandria and the United States Government alleging improper redistricting practices that violate federal voting rights laws.
Father sues Calcasieu Parish Deputies over son’s death alleging excessive force
Stanley Hungerford has filed a federal lawsuit against Sheriff Tony Mancuso and several deputies from Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office alleging excessive force leading to his son's death over a minor theft incident involving a $3 soda. The complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages along with attorney fees.
Appeals court upholds $5.5M wrongful death awards to daughters of man who died from mesothelioma
NEW ORLEANS – A Louisiana state appeals court has upheld a total amount of $5.5 million in wrongful death damages, awarded to the daughters of a man who worked for Shell Oil Company and later died of mesothelioma.
Four Attorneys and Two Deutsch Kerrigan Practices Honored in Chambers USA 2024
Deutsch Kerrigan is pleased to announce that five firm attorneys and two practice areas have been recognized in the 2024 edition of Chambers USA, a prestigious legal ranking guide and highly regarded directory of America’s leading attorneys.
Sexual abuse claims from decades ago allowed; Dissenting justice says defendants now 'defenseless'
NEW ORLEANS - The Louisiana Supreme Court has changed its mind on a key legal issue affecting individuals who were sexually abused as children and are now seeking compensation.
Groundbreaking Study Unveils Role of Neanderthal Genes in Autism
A landmark study recently published in the prestigious science journal Nature: Molecular Psychiatry has unveiled a new discovery in autism research.
Attorneys question Louisiana federal judge's conduct after recusal in port contractor's lawsuit
Attorneys representing a commercial tenant at the Port of Lake Charles have accused two federal judges of engaging in communications that cast doubt on the impartiality of an ongoing legal proceeding in the Western District of Louisiana.
Richard Pittman joins LSU Law faculty as Professor of Professional Practice, Director of Field Placement and Pro Bono Programs
After serving as Deputy Public Defender-Director of Juvenile Defender Services for the Office of the State Public Defender (formerly known as the Louisiana Public Defender Board) for the past 11 years, Richard Pittman has joined the LSU Law faculty as a Professor of Professional Practice and Director of Field Placement and Pro Bono Programs, effective June 1.
Energy workers group sues Biden administration over its pause on new LNG export contracts
The Texas-based Oil & Gas Workers Association is suing to stop the Biden administration’s current pause in new approvals of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export agreements with legal help from the New Orleans-based Pelican Institute for Public Policy.
Deutsch Kerrigan Elects Four New Partners in Three Offices
Deutsch Kerrigan is pleased to announce that the firm has named four new partners in 2024.