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computer_computers_1245714-1024x680Domestic violence affects countless individuals, and while physical harm may be the most obvious form of abuse, technology has expanded the range of abuses victims endure. Filing for a protective order is one action victims can take to address domestic violence. This case delves into whether cyberstalking qualifies as domestic abuse to obtain a protective order, highlighting how the law adapts to address technological advancements and protect victims.

Alicia Shaw and Melvin Young lived in New Orleans, Louisiana. After they had been married for just over a year, Shaw filed for a protective order under the Louisiana Domestic Abuse Assistance Law, La. R.S. 46:2131. She alleged that Young had punched, shoved, and threatened her with bodily harm. The trial court entered an Order of Protection. 

A few months later, Young filed for divorce on fault under La. C.C. art. 103. Shaw also sought a permanent protective order against Young. In support, Shaw testified that Young posted messages threatening to provide private photos of her to others. She also claimed that Young sent her friends messages saying “bad things” about her. Young also made posts on Facebook claiming she had broken into his home and accusing her of abusing the immigration system. She explained that as a result, she constantly feared Young, lost her hair and became isolated. After a trial, the court entered a judgment granting the divorce and granting Shaw a permanent protective order against Young. Young appealed. 

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medical_care_medicine_health-1024x683When pursuing a medical malpractice claim in Louisiana, adhering to the necessary procedural requirements is crucial for a successful case. Failure to comply with statutory obligations can lead to legal battles centered around procedural technicalities rather than the merits of the claim.

That is the situation Lori Franks found herself in after she sent a letter to the Division of Administration at the Louisiana Patient’s Compensation Fund Oversight Board (“PCF”) requesting a medical review panel. Franks sought review related to the medical care provided by Dr. Charlotte Hollman and a nurse practitioner, Deborah Gahagan, to her two minor twin sons, A.F. and C.F. She included a payment of $200 for the filing fee, which is $100 per defendant under the Louisiana Medical Malpractice Act, La. R.S. 40:1231.8. 

The PCF assigned two file numbers to the request, one for each of the twin son’s claims. It allocated the entire $200 payment to A.F.’s filing fee. PCF then mailed a letter to Frank acknowledging they had received her claim and to go ahead with appointing an attorney chairman. PCF sent a separate letter the same day that only referenced C.F.’s claim and told Franks that she needed to pay a $200 filing fee for the claim within forty-five days. After PCF did not receive any additional funds within the forty-five-day period, PCF sent her a letter stating C.F.’s claim was invalid because the period for paying the filing fee had expired. 

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audience_speech_speaker_1677028-1024x768The diverse range of viewpoints expressed at city council meetings often evokes mixed reactions from attendees. While some voices may test our patience, it is crucial to recognize that the First Amendment safeguards individuals’ freedom of speech during such gatherings. A case involving Tom Heaney’s experience at a Jefferson Parish city council meeting in Gretna, Louisiana, sheds light on the constitutional rights protected in these limited public forums. The subsequent legal proceedings provide valuable insights into the requirements for successfully pursuing a First Amendment claim related to alleged silencing in such settings.

Tom Heaney registered to speak at a Jefferson Parish city council meeting in Gretna, Louisiana. The city council rules allowed registered individuals to speak for five minutes. After Heaney had spoken for approximately three minutes, the presiding official, Christopher Roberts, interrupted him and asked him if he would yield to the Jefferson Parish attorney. Heaney thought he would get the remaining two minutes back after the attorney spoke because that happened with the prior speaker who yielded. However, after a heated back-and-forth between Heaney and Roberts, Roberts asked for Heaney to be removed. 

A police officer, Ronald Black, responded to the request to remove Heaney. Heaney then filed a lawsuit, claiming that Roberts and Black had violated his constitutional rights, including the First Amendment, and that Black had also committed various torts. The defendants filed motions for summary judgment. The trial court denied Roberts’ summary judgment motions concerning the First Amendment claim but granted Black’s motion on the First Amendment claim. Comparing these two outcomes provides insight into the requirements to succeed on a First Amendment claim involving purported silencing in a limited public forum.

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police_policemen_guards_security-1024x702In an era where workplace equality and fairness have gained significant prominence, it is crucial to be aware of the robust safeguards provided by federal law. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act serves as a formidable shield, offering protection to employees who have experienced retaliation or discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, and more. While many individuals may be unaware of their rights, understanding the scope and power of Title VII is essential for fostering a work environment free from bias and ensuring that justice prevails

Many people are unaware that federal law protects them from retaliation that results from them filing a lawsuit against their employer under Title VII. See 42 U.S.C. § 2000–3(a). Even if you are not fired, you might still be able to bring a lawsuit against your employer if you suffer other adverse actions, such as being denied a promotion. However, there are strict requirements that must be met to succeed in such a claim. 

Edward Smith was a security guard for G4S Secure Solutions (“G4S”) and worked at the Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Several years before the instant lawsuit, he filed an EEOC charge against G4S’s predecessor claiming discrimination in an unrelated event.  Approximately six years later, Smith was denied a promotion to become a Custom Protection Officer. 

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vessels_beach_brazil_pier-1024x768Within the intricate realm of maritime law, determining liability can be challenging, especially when it comes to assessing the responsibility of ship owners for open and obvious risks. Such complexities become particularly evident when adverse weather conditions come into play. In this context, we delve into the case of Robert dePerrodil, an oil field consultant, and his encounter with the M/V Thunderstar. 

As we explore the legal intricacies surrounding his injuries and subsequent compensation, we shed light on the duty of care owed by ship owners, the notion of open and obvious risks, and the calculation of damages. Join us as we unravel the multifaceted aspects of maritime liability and its impact on the lives of those involved.

Robert dePerrodil was an oil field consultant who worked for Petroleum Engineers, Inc. (“PEI”). PEI charted the M/V Thunderstar to transport dePerrodil from Venice, Louisana, to the offshore platform where he was to work as a consultant. Bozovic Marine, Inc. owned and operated the M/V Thunderstar. The captain of the boat was Captain Bozovic. 

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vessel_twin_masted_ship-1024x683An injury can happen in the most unlikely of situations, and although it may seem minor at the moment, it can create lifelong physical ailments. When this unfortunate situation occurs, you deserve to be properly compensated, regardless of any pre-existing conditions you may have. The following lawsuit shows how an excellent attorney can assist you in doing so. 

Ricky Koch was working as a foreman for Economy Iron Works aboard the United States-owned vessel S.S. Altair. He was participating in a “walkthrough” to potentially submit a bid for his employer on areas of the vessel needing repair. During the walkthrough, the group encountered a stairwell. The chief engineer who was leading the tour flipped a light switch, but it only partially illuminated the stairwell. As Koch descended in the darkness, he missed a step and fell backward, hitting his head, neck, and shoulders on the stairs. Upon returning to his office that same day, he completed an accident report and was driven home by a colleague where his wife found him immobile on a recliner. 

Koch could not work after the incident, with severe pain in his knees, neck, and back. He ultimately saw an orthopedic surgeon who concluded the incident exacerbated his preexisting osteoarthritic conditions and caused the need for bilateral knee replacements. Koch also saw a neurosurgeon who opined he had herniated his C6-7 disc as a result of the incident and subsequently performed cervical spine surgery. However, after the surgery, he had complications, including carpal tunnel in his hands, which the neurosurgeon noted were associated with and worsened by Koch’s neck problems. Because of his injuries, Koch underwent a right total knee replacement and had one scheduled for the other knee once he was fully recovered. 

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casino_game_play_argentina-1024x683Business trips can provide opportunities for networking and leisure, but unexpected injuries can turn the experience into a nightmare. One such example is the case of Jonathan Peters, who attended a business convention in New Orleans and stayed at Harrah’s Hotel.

Peters visited New Orleans for a business convention and stayed at Harrah’s Hotel. Around midnight, Peters exited the hotel to get something to eat. Peters walked on the hotel’s brick sidewalk as it was raining. When he began to slip, he moved to step on a hose to prevent himself from falling, yet he slipped and broke his wrist. After the fall, Peters underwent surgery at Tulane Medical Hospital, but this procedure did not rehabilitate him. Peters alleged he permanently lost the range of motion in his wrist.

Peters sued Jazz Casino and JCC Fulton Development, L.L.C. (“Jazz Casino”), the owners and operators of the hotel. Jazz Casino asked the lawsuit to be placed in the federal district court and filed a motion for summary judgment. The motion for summary judgment was granted. Unhappy with that decision, Peters appealed.

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boat_patrol_transit_in-1024x731
Accidents happen daily, and when they do, they can be overwhelming and stressful. If you’ve been in an accident and filed a claim for damages, but it gets dismissed due to the granting of a motion for summary judgment in favor of the defendants, you may feel like there’s no hope. However, this is not the end of the matter. The trial court’s decision can be appealed, and the appellate court will review the decision to ensure whether the motion was properly granted. The following lawsuit shows how the appeals process can alter a trial court’s decision.

Stephen Ledet and his young son were sailing on a 16-foot recreational boat (“Ledet vessel”) being operated by Stephen’s brother, Kent Ledet. They were sailing on the Intracoastal Waterway near Berwick, Louisiana. The M/V Miss Cissy (“Miss Cissy”), a 46.5-foot commercial vessel owned by Parker Drilling Offshore USA, LLC (“PDO”), was sailing on the waterway at the same time ahead of them. Its employee, Captain Richard Rowe (“Rowe”), operated it. 

Kent Ledet could see the ship approximately 200 yards away as the weather was sunny and clear. However, Miss Cissy was traveling much slower than the Ledet’s vessel. The Ledet’s vessel eventually caught up to Miss Cissy’s rear. Miss Cissy then suddenly accelerated its engine and created large swells and wakes. Kent Ledet was unable to avoid the large wakes. The boat tossed and slammed against the water, and the whole family sustained alleged physical and mental injuries. 

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transport_roadworks_autobahn_837813-1024x768In the aftermath of a tragic situation, such as the death of a child, the last thing you might want to consider are insurance policies and legal requirements. However, it is essential to understand how courts determine whether an individual was covered by a specific insurance policy so that you know who might be liable for your losses. This is especially important when the accident involves a vehicle used both commercially and personally. 

Jamie and Ericka Myers found themselves in a tragic situation after Brad Welch hit and killed their six-year-old son, Tyler, as Welch was turning into his house’s driveway. The Myers filed a lawsuit against Welch, his employer, Valentine & Leblanc, and Security National Insurance. Valentine & Leblanc insured the car that hit Myers’ son, although Welch owned the vehicle personally.  

The Myers brought claims for themselves, their deceased son, and their twelve-year-old son Peyton. After a successful mediation, the court dismissed the claims against Welch, Valentine & Leblanc, and Security National Insurance. The Myers added AIG Specialty Insurance Company as a defendant as Valentine & Leblanc had a commercial umbrella liability insurance policy from them. AIG Specialty Insurance Company then filed a summary judgment motion, arguing that Welch was not in the course or scope of his employment with Valentine & Leblanc when the accident occurred and therefore was not covered by the at-issue insurance policies. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of AIG Specialty Insurance Company, holding that Welch was not an “additional insured” under the at-issue insurance policy. 

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accident_car_accident_crash-1024x768If an individual suffers from chronic pain or a preexisting injury, it may be challenging to prove additional injury due to a car accident. Proving these additional injuries, however, is crucial for collecting damages or compensation for medical bills following the accident. The following Lafayette Parish case shows how a plaintiff may prove a causal link between the car accident and their injuries. 

This case concerns a motor vehicle accident between Traci Herbert and Brian Meaux. The accident occurred when Herbert made a wide right turn into a parking spot, and Meaux, who was driving a company vehicle for Barry’s Air Conditioning, wrongly assumed she was turning left. Meaux then attempted to pass Herbert on the right when the two cars collided.

At the scene of the accident, Herbert reported to the responding officer that the accident caused her to hit her head. She later testified that she suffered from a headache and neck and back pain as a result of the accident. The day after the accident, Herbert visited her chiropractor, Dr. Tiffany Pratt, who testified that her various injuries were caused by the accident and further required a course of treatment lasting nearly four years, including a referral to a neurologist.

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