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…
On August 22, 2025, the Tangipahoa Parish community was shaken by the massive explosion and fire at Smitty’s Supply, Inc. The incident released thick, black smoke, ash, and oily residue across nearby neighborhoods and waterways, forcing residents to evacuate and leaving families with property damage, health concerns, and lingering uncertainty…
The following case dives into the world of “slip and fall” lawsuits in Louisiana, where the law sets specific requirements for holding merchants liable for injuries on their premises. Case Background Gwendolyn Thibodeaux fell while shopping at a Super 1 Foods store in Lafayette. Although the fall was captured on…
When accidents occur on a construction site, questions of liability and responsibility arise, leaving property owners wondering about their potential legal obligations. In a compelling lawsuit from Alexandria, Louisiana, the issue of whether a homeowner can be held liable for injuries sustained by a roofer while working on their property…
The majority of states have what are known as “dram shop laws”. These laws address liability if someone is injured by a drunk person after consuming alcohol at an establishment. Most of these laws allow for the bar or other entity that served alcoholic beverages to be sued. Louisiana’s version…
Sometimes, whether your case takes place in federal court or state court may be out of your hands entirely. Other times, it may be possible for the case to take place in either court. In such situations, it is important to understand possible differences and advantages between state and federal…
Going to the grocery store is a frequent occurrence for most of us. However, most people are probably not aware of when a grocery store can be held liable for selling unsuitable products. On February 15, 2013, Elton Simmons purchased a package of fruit cups from Brookshire Grocery, a Shreveport…
Imagine you sign a lease at a complex that does not allow pets, but then you walk outside your home and are attacked by a dog. Who is liable? The owner of the animal, the landlord for not preventing the animal from being on the premises, or both? In most…
Navigating a lawsuit is a difficult task. Not only do you have to prove the merits of the case, but you also have to navigate the judicial system’s complex procedural requirements. Even if your case seems likely to succeed on the merits, failure to comply with procedural requirements can leave…
Can a used car dealer be held liable in a car accident if they failed to check the car purchaser’s license and insurance? According to the Third Circuit Court of Appeal of Louisiana, the answer is no. Ms. Mire purchased a used vehicle from Blake’s Auto Sales in Broussard, Louisiana.…