In October 2009, as Congress was caught up in the health care reform debate that is still raging on Capitol Hill, Merlyna Adams of LaPlace took a trip to Washington, D.C. to show legislators that she is not frivolous. Worried about proposals to limit patients rights in health care, Merlyna…
Articles Posted in Litigation
October Tragedy Demonstrates Complexities of Auto Accidents
As reported in the Ruston Daily Leader, a tragic three car accident killed 19 year old Francisco Javier Hernandez of Dubach last October. According to State Police records, Hernandez was driving a 2004 Mustang on La.33, lost control of his car, and crossed the center line into the path of…
A ‘Battle of the Experts’ and the Role of Expert Testimony in a Negligence Action
On the morning of February 2, 1961, Erwin Davis was driving his Chevrolet Impala southbound on Louisiana State Route 66 toward Bains. O.C. Roberts, who was driving a Pontiac with two other passengers, was headed north on the same road in the direction of Angola. When Roberts attempted to slow…
The Use of Expert Testimony in Personal Injury Lawsuits
In navigating the complex waters of lawsuits, personal injury cases will often require the use of experts to make it through the waves of unclear facts. An expert is oftentimes a professional (although this is not a requirement) in a given field that can help lend credibility to a plaintiff’s…
Jury Awards $7.5 Million to Mother of Disabled Lake Charles Man: Death Linked to Negligent Care
On January 22nd a state court jury found in favor of 84 year old Berna Courville in her suit against Robinswood School (on the former Chennault Air Force Base). Ms. Courville’s son, 39 year old Tony Courville, had been a resident of the facility that cares for people with severe…
Church Point Teen Killed in 1-10 Crash
18-year old Benjamin Guidry of Church Point was killed in a two vehicle crash on February 23rd. The crash occurred on I-10 just west of Rayne. The vehicle Guidry was in crossed the eastbound lanes, went through the median, crossed the westbound lanes, and struck several trees. Guidry was not…
Arcadia Perish Man Shot by Estranged Wife Brings Suit Against Police Department
The Crowley Today reports that a man has filed suit against a Arcadia Parish Sheriff’s Deputy, the Crowley Police Department, and the City after an incident that occurred less than one year ago on July 16, 2009. The suit concerns Reginald Phillips, an Arcadia man who merely wanted to return…
Elizabeth Woman Killed in Single Vehicle Accident, Creating Difficult Legal Issues
According to an article on the townwalk.com, 28 year old Deborah Parker of Elizabeth was killed in a single vehicle accident on the morning of February 18th. According to state police, the crash occurred at the Rapides-Allen parish line at about 7:30 in the morning. Jason B. Mancil, driving a…
Two St. Charles Parish Planes Crash in 24 Hours: Could Airplane Parts be to Blame?
As reported in the St. Charles Herald Guide in August 2009, two separate plane crashes occurred less than 24 hours apart. Both happened on private air strips, involved experienced pilots, and occurred while the planes were still on the ground. The first crash was on August 23rd. James F. Miller…
Bastrop Fire Death Leads to Lawsuit
The son of a woman who died in her Bastrop apartment last September has filed a civil lawsuit seeking “damages for the fear, pain and ultimate death of his mother and the grief and mental anguish he experienced from her death,” according to reports from the Monroe News-Star. The victim,…