Adam Guidry, a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed ship captain, has filed a lawsuit against his former legal representatives, alleging that they exploited him during a vulnerable period in his life. The complaint was filed by Adam Guidry on December 13, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Anthony G. Buzbee and Anthony G. Buzbee LP, doing business as The Buzbee Law Firm.
The case revolves around allegations that the defendants coerced Guidry into settling a personal injury claim for significantly less than its purported value and then took an exorbitant portion of the settlement funds for themselves. According to the complaint, Tony Buzbee and The Buzbee Law Firm initially valued Guidry's case at $1 million but pressured him into accepting a settlement of just $325,000 without fully informing him of his options or the financial implications. As a result, when the settlement was disbursed, Guidry received only $5,123.19 after fees and expenses were deducted by his attorneys.
Guidry accuses the defendants of taking 98% of his final disbursement and 74% of his overall settlement through various fees and expenses that were not transparently disclosed to him. These included substantial charges for expert witness fees, postage and copies, attorney travel expenses, and interest on loans provided to Guidry during the litigation process. Furthermore, it is alleged that these actions violated ethical standards set forth by professional conduct rules.
In addition to breach of fiduciary duties and negligence claims against Anthony G. Buzbee and The Buzbee Law Firm, Guidry also names John Does 1-10 as defendants who may have participated in or benefited from these actions. He seeks restitution through disgorgement of unjustly obtained benefits along with actual damages exceeding $250,000 plus punitive damages.
The complaint further highlights other cases where similar practices were allegedly employed by The Buzbee Law Firm against clients such as Guadalupe Garza and Matthew Ray Thompson Jr., indicating a pattern of behavior involving misappropriation of client funds intended for maintenance and cure payments.
Representing Adam Guidry are attorneys Tim Porter from Porter & Malouf P.A., based in Ridgeland, Mississippi; Kelley Berry from Berry & Munn P.A., located in Hazlehurst, Mississippi; both firms being involved in pursuing justice on behalf of their client who feels wronged by those entrusted with safeguarding his interests during difficult times.
The case is identified under Case ID: 2:24-cv-02873 with jurisdiction claimed under federal diversity due to parties residing in different states—Louisiana for plaintiff Adam Guidry while Texas hosts defendant Anthony G. Buzbee—and an amount-in-controversy exceeding statutory thresholds required for federal court proceedings.