Attorney Jeff Berniard, founder of the Berniard Law Firm, was recently featured on WGNO News for his leadership in filing a class action lawsuit on behalf of families affected by the Smitty’s Supply explosion and fire in Tangipahoa Parish. Watch the full news story here. Berniard was asked to provide…
Articles Posted in Business Dispute
Can You Sue for Stolen Data That’s Not a Trade Secret? Court Ruling Clarifies
In today’s fiercely competitive business environment, safeguarding trade secrets and confidential information has never been more crucial. A recent legal clash between Brand Services, an industrial scaffolding company, and Irex Corporation, a competitor, illustrates the challenges of protecting intellectual property in the digital age. This blog post examines the dispute,…
Louisiana Court Reverses Summary Judgment in Legal Malpractice Case, Underscoring Importance of Contractual Claims in Insurance Disputes
In a recent decision, the Louisiana Court of Appeal reversed a summary judgment granted in favor of attorneys in a legal malpractice lawsuit. The case, highlights the critical distinction between contractual and delictual claims in insurance disputes and the potential impact on the applicable statute of limitations. Michael Belanger was…
New Orleans Police Officer Reinstated After Controversial Termination
In a recent Louisiana Court of Appeal ruling, the Fourth Circuit reinstated Officer Isaiah Shannon to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) with back pay and benefits after a contentious dismissal. This case highlights the complexities surrounding police conduct, the use of force, and the importance of due process. The…
Whistleblower or Rule-Breaker? Louisiana Court Upholds Termination of Police Officer for Unauthorized Background Checks
A recent decision from the Louisiana Court of Appeal has shed light on the nuanced boundary between whistleblowing and misconduct in the workplace. The case, Melancon v. Town of Amite City, involved a police officer terminated for running unauthorized criminal background checks and lying about it. While the officer claimed…
Can You Sue an Out-of-State Employer in Louisiana? Personal Jurisdiction Limits
A recent United States Court of Appeals ruling for the Fifth Circuit highlights the complexities of establishing personal jurisdiction over an out-of-state employer in a lawsuit filed in Louisiana. The case, Blakes v. DynCorp, centered around a Louisiana resident who sued his Virginia-based employer for alleged wage and benefit violations…
Can You Gift a Racehorse with a Handshake? Louisiana Court Clarifies the Rules on Donating Property
A recent Louisiana Court of Appeal decision has underscored the importance of adhering to legal formalities when gifting significant assets, even within a romantic relationship. The case involved a dispute over the ownership of a thoroughbred racehorse, highlighting the specific requirements for making a valid donation under Louisiana law. Wesley…
Insurance Agent’s Negligence Costs Them in Court
A recent Louisiana Court of Appeal decision underscores the importance of insurance agents fulfilling their duties with reasonable diligence and care. In Upscale Fashions, Inc. v. Botsay Insurance Network, Inc., an insurance agent’s failure to properly procure and communicate coverage details led to a significant financial loss for the insured and…
Can a Criminal Investigation Lead to a Defamation Lawsuit Dismissal?
Today, in the age of ever-prevalent social media, it is easier than ever to express opinions about events and even other people. It is also easier for people to find one another’s statements, even if the people involved don’t know one another. Statements about emotionally charged events can harm a…
Doctor Loses Malicious Prosecution and Defamation Lawsuit Filed Against Former Patient
Every doctor places great value on their professional reputation in the medical world. This is because a doctor’s reputation is one of the primary ways a community judges the doctor’s standard of care. When this reputation is wrongly called into question, a doctor may want to use legal avenues to…