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A quick look at verdicts, trial news or other stories of interest to Louisiana litigators.
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Published 11-18-24
$280,000 verdict in Shreveport in a trucking case on 11-6-2
The plaintiff, a member of the State Board of Education, took special damages but nothing for her pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life
The plaintiff, Stacey Melerine, a lawyer and a member of the LA State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, was involved in a lane incursion crash on I-40 and subsequently complained of wide-ranging and chronic neck and back pain.
The jury split fault 70% to the trucker and the other 30% to Melerine. She was awarded $105,000 in medicals and $175,000 more for future care for a total of $280,000. The jury rejected any sum for non-economic damages over four categories.
At the time of this report no final judgment had been entered.
Justin C. Dewett and Elizabeth A. Hancock, Morris Dewett, Shreveport for Melerine
Lottie L. Bash, Faircloth Melton Sobel & Bash, Alexandria and J. Geoffrey Ormsby, Smith & Fawer, New Orleans for Williams defending
The damage to the plaintiff's vehicle
The verdict form on damages in Melerine v. Ty & Tan Express
Full report coming in the December 2024 edition, 15 LaJVR 12. Subscribe (or buy anything) in the online store and save 25% with code Louisiana24.
Published 11-13-24
$129,000,000 verdict in school parking lot tragedy where a little girl was run over during car pool
There was a verdict with heavy damages in St. Tammany Parish last Friday. A little girl (Emma Savoie, age 6) was run over and killed in the parking lot of her Catholic school in Slidell during carpool. Incredibly the school was operating a "run club" in the parking lot for little children which had the children running in and out of traffic. The circumstance was described as incredibly dangerous.
The girl's brother (age 10) witnessed the entire thing and was traumatized. She was survived by her parents.
The plaintiff sued the school Our Lady of Lourdes and alleged negligence regarding the parking lot. The school denied fault and called it an accident. The claim against the woman who struck the girl with her pick-up truck was dismissed volitionally.
The jury found for the plaintiff and awarded damages of $129,000,000 as broken down below which included sums for the brother's emotional distress, the wrongful death claims of the parents as well as the decedent's conscious pain and suffering.
Report coming in the December 2024 edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter.
Frank Swarr and Benjamin Rumpf (Landry & Swarr) New Orleans for the plaintiff
Jefferson Tillery and Madeline Fischer (Jones Walker) New Orleans were the primary defense counsel although several excess carriers also involved
Judge Reginald Badeaux called balls and strikes
Full report coming in the December 2024 edition, 15 LaJVR 12. Subscribe (or buy anything) in the online store and save 25% with code Louisiana24.Published 10-31-24
$2.5 million Med Mal in Lake Charles
In this case the plaintiff (a newborn) was released by her pediatrician from the hospital just 41 hours after birth. This was despite the girl not having a jaundice test, and the nurses having noted the girl's skin was yellow. There was a fact dispute as to whether the pediatrician was informed of this.
Days later the girl had worsening jaundice (it is common in newborns because of developing liver function) and developed a severe and permanent neurological injury. She died at age 4.
The plaintiff sued the pediatrician the hospital. The pediatrician entered a confidential and secret settlement for $2.5 million of which only $475,000 was not medicals or future medicals. This was before the girl died.
The case went to trial against the hospital. The jury awarded general damages of $2.5 million assessed 25% to the hospital (60% to the settled doctor and 15% to the mother) resulting in a net verdict. The final judgment against the hospital (the raw $625,000 less the cap) was for $125,000 and it has been paid. The verdict was in October of 2023 but the case was not finally resolved until the summer of 2024.
We will publish details on this interesting case in the November issue of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter.
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Michael G. Hodgkins (pictured) and Matthew F. Lognion, Veron Bice, Lake Charles and Pierre F. Gremillion, Metairie
Benjamin J. Guilbeau and Elizabeth F. Shea, Stockwell Sievert Viccellio Clements & Shaddock, Lake Charles and Leah T. Therio, Cowan Law Firm, Metairie
Judge G. Michael Canaday called balls and strikes
Published 10-22-24
$273,662 Dump Truck Negligence Verdict in Lafayette on 10-11-24 -- Medicals were $139,425, but non-economic damages totaled just $103,237
A dump truck negligence case was tried in federal court in Lafayette last week. The plaintiff (a former WWL anchorman and later media sales person) complained of a a shoulder injury (surgically repaired), a C5-7 disc injury (no surgery yet) as well as a mild brain injury after being rear-ended by a dump truck. It was a moderate collision. It is believed the plaintiff sought substantial damages.
The defense diminished the claimed injuries and relied on several IMEs including Dr. Everett Robert, Orthopedics and Dr. Chad Domangue, Neurology, Houma.
The case was tried for five days. The jury's verdict totaled $273,662 and included medical bills of $139,425. The non-economic damages (awarded in odd sums) were just $103,237 including the wife's consortium claim. Thus the ratio of non-economic damages to medicals was an anemic .74.
No final judgment has been entered but the plaintiff has submitted a proposed judgment. The jury also asked three questions as it deliberated over two days. The questions are a state secret.
Full report coming in the November 2024 edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter.
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David C. Laborde, Jr., Laborde Earles Law Firm, Lafayette and Robert M. Marionneaux, Jr., Marionneaux Law Firm, Marksville for the plaintiff
Allyson C. Byrd (pictured below), Robert B. Worley, Jr. and Allison B. Kingsmill, Jones Walker, New Orleans defending
Judge Summerhays presided.
The verdict form on damages including the odd figures for non-economic damages
Published 10-14-24
Curious Hybrid Med Mal/Administrative Negligence/Fraud against a Nursing Home - Mixed $3,580,289 verdict in Shreveport
The plaintiff, age 99, after a several year residency at a nursing home. The plaintiff (his surviving daughter) alleged global malpractice by the nursing home as well as fraud by the nursing home in indicating it could properly care for her father. Also sued was a company that managed the nursing home on an "administrative" negligence theory not subject to the Med Mal statutory damage caps. The defendants denied fault and tended to link the plaintiff's demise to his age and co-morbidites.
A Shreveport jury found for the plaintiff on all counts against both defendants. The defendants were represented jointly.
The plaintiff took $1.529 million on the survival claim and $1,050,500 more on wrongful death, split equally between the nursing home and management company. The jury assessed $1,000,000 more in fraud damages against the nursing home. The total damages were $3,580,289.
There has been no final judgment although the trial judge (O'Callaghan) has indicated the management company is not entitled to the Med Mal statute protections. What will the judgment look like? It's hard to say as it melds med mal (limited against the nursing home but not the management company) as well as the separate fraud claim.
Full report coming in the November 2024 edition on this unusual case.
Matthew M. Coman and Stephen M. Garcia, Garcia & Artigliere, New Orleans for the plaintiff
Ronald E. Raney and Patrick W. Woolbert, Lunn Irion, Shreveport defending
The verdict form in Bennett v. Pathway Management et al
Published 10-10-24
$3,405,525 verdict in New Orleans -- Teacher's aide suffered a C5-6 disc injury when struck by a box truck
The plaintiff, a teachers' aide, complained of a C5-6 disc herniation after a box truck performed a u-turn on Canal Street and struck her sedan. Her neurosurgeon (Liechty) has indicated she will need a repair surgery. The defendant replied the wreck was minor, there was no injury at the scene and while the plaintiff does need a disc surgery, it is not related to this crash. The defense IME was Everett Robert.
A New Orleans jury awarded the plaintiff $3,405,525 in damages that included $2.775 million in non-economic damages.
Jason F. Giles (pictured below), John Love Norris, IV and Brian King, The King Firm, New Orleans for the plaintiff
David P. Salley and Stephen C. Resor, Salley Hite Mercer & Resor, New Orleans defending
Judge Kern Reese presided. Verdict returned on 9-19-24.
Full report (at page 4) in the October edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter, 15 LaJVR10.
Published 9-30-24
$219,190,110 verdict in Opelousas last week -- Paramedic suffered a TBI in a crash with pick-up truck -- Includes $155,500,000 in non-economic damages
A paramedic, age 36, (unrestrained) was in the rear of an ambulance tending to a patient when their ambulance broadsided a pick-up truck (it was carrying lineman home from a job) and in the process, the paramedic was thrown around. She suffered multiple skull fractures and a permanent TBI. There were significant questions in the case as to whether the plaintiff was malingering or faking her injuries.
A jury in St. Landry Parish found the pick-up driver solely at fault (it rejected fault to the plaintiff or her EMS employer) and awarded damages of nearly $220,000,000. That included $61,443,984 for the plaintiff's life care plan. Her non-economic damages were $155.5 million. The verdict was returned a week ago today on 9-23-24. At the time of this report no final judgment had been entered.
Richard F. Zimmerman, III, Justin R. Glenn and Misti L. Bryant, Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, Baton Rouge and Michael P. Fruge and A.M. “Tony” Clayton, Clayton Fruge & Ward, Port Allen all for the plaintiff
Gerald A. Melchiode, Jeffrey R. Struckoff and Trey Williams, Melchiode Marks King, New Orleans and Peter F. Caviness, Falgoust & Caviness, Opelousas defending
Report coming in the October edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter, 15 LaJVR 10.
An image of the plaintiff's ambulance -- it broadsided the pick-up truck
Published 9-16-24
Wayback Machine -- $174,850 verdict in Franklinton in . . . 1965
W.E. "Bill" Knight, age 39, was killed in 1963 when driving from Bogulusa to Columbia, MS to work as an auctioneer when struck by a slow-moving Gulf, Mobile and Ohio train. He suffered multiple fractures. Knight was pulled from his mangled car and survived several minutes before dying at the scene.
The plaintiff, representing his wife and eight children, came to trial in March of 1965 in Washington Parish and took damages of $174,850. A report at the time indicated the railroad planned to appeal. The ultimate resolution of the case is not known.
Published 9-13-24
$632,735 Med Mal in Lake Charles -- ER doctor blamed for a missed diagnosis of testicular torsion
The plaintiff, age 25, sued an ER doctor and hospital nurses for a missed diagnosis of testicular torsion which led to the loss of his testicle. Lake Charles jury valued his non-economic damages at $600,000 and $32,735 more in medical bills. The fault was assessed 60% to the hospital (they didn't report out a urinalysis result) and the 40% more to the doctor. The Medical Review Panel had exonerated the defendants.
Full report in the September 2024 edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter, 15 LaJVR 9.
Damon L. Beard (pictured) and Todd A. Townsley, The Townsley Law Firm, Lake Charles for the plaintiff
Benjamin J. Guilbeau, Jr. and Elizabeth F. Shea, Stockwell Sievert Viccellio Clements & Shaddock, Lake Charles defending
Judge Bobby Holmes presided at trial
Published 7-22-24
Shreveport jury answers in a med mal (fault admitted) that the defendant doctor (urology) had not caused the plaintiff more than $100,000 in damages
The plaintiff alleged error by her urologist in a 2009 vaginal sling surgery in failing to provide informed consent as to complications of the procedure. The Medical Review Panel agreed. Ultimately the doctor did too and he admitted fault. He also paid his $100,000.
The case went to trial solely on the question of damages. Had the plaintiff proven she suffered more than $100,000 in damages. Those damages were a sciatic nerve injury that was blamed on mispositioning during the surgery. The Patient's Compensation Fund (PCF) argued the ongoing symptoms were related to pre-existing fibromyalgia.
The case ended in a defense verdict on 7-13-24 (almost 15 years after the surgery), the jury answering that the plaintiff had not caused damages over $100,000 and thus the plaintiff took nothing.
Susan Hamm, Shreveport, for the plaintiff
Walter Clawson, Shreveport for the PCF
Judge Christopher Victory on the bench.
The verdict form
Published 7-8-24
The July issue (15 LaJVR 7) is out later this week -- it features an interesting verdict from Monroe
Here is the heading on the interesting Ouachita Parish result referenced in the headline. Full report coming in the July 2024 edition.
The header from the issue
Truck Escort Negligence - A slow-moving pick-up truck (the manager of a local cemetery) was driving slowing on a busy 65 mph road near Monroe (he was shadowing a slow-moving back hoe) when a multi-car pileup occurred that injured four persons – those four plaintiffs blamed the escort driver for negligence in driving so slowly without hazard lights or other warning to other motorists
Connell et al v. Richwood Gardens,
21-1786
Plaintiff: Myrt T. Hales, Jr. and Joshua L. Strickland, Hales & Strickland, Rayville for Dustin DeMoss
James L. Carroll, Mixon Carroll & Frazier, Columbia for Hunter DeMoss
Michael J. Mestayer, New Orleans for Brigid Connell
Louis V. Champagne, McKierthan Ryland & Champagne, Columbia for Goforth
Defense: Jan P. Christiansen, Christiansen Law Firm, Monroe
Verdict: Defense verdict on liability
Parish: Ouachita
Judge: J. Wilson Rambo
Date: 4-25-24
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Published 6-20-24
Anesthesia Med Mal (vision loss after mastectomy) case tried to a verdict in New Orleans
During a complex prophylactic mastectomy surgery (it lasted eleven hours), the plaintiff became hypertensive which led to blindness in her left eye. In this lawsuit the plaintiff alleged error by her anesthesiologist in failing to properly monitor her blood pressure, this case being very interesting as a key fact witness in the case was the plaintiff’s husband who is also an anesthesiologist and was in the operating room during the surgery. The purported error was in failing to monitor her properly the hypertensive event. The doctor denied it all.
A defense verdict was returned on 5-6-24 before Judge Jennifer Medley.
Report coming in the July 2024 edition (15 LaJVR 7).
Louis L. Gertler and Helen H. Babin, Gertler Law Firm, New Orleans for the plaintiff
C. William Bradley, Jr. and L. David Adams, Bradley Murchison Kelly & Shea, New Orleans defending
The Verdict Form on Liability
Published 5-28-24
Motorcyclist sustained serious injuries when a Domino's pizza driver pulled into his path
$757,071 verdict in Jefferson Parish on 5-17-24
A Domino’s Pizza delivery driver pulled from a stop sign and into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist – the motorcyclist was knocked unconscious and suffered serious injuries road rash to 30% of his body, multiple fractures and a TBI. a Gretna jury valued non-economic damages at $650,000 including $50,000 for his wife's consortium interest. Judge Nancy Miller was on the bench.
Full report coming in the June 2024 edition (15 LaJVR 6) next week.
Jarrett S. Falcon and Timothy J. Falcon and Jeremiah A. Sprague, Falcon Law Firm, Marrero for the plaintiff
George T. Nalley, Jr., Nalley Dew & Miner, Metairie defending
Published 5-20-24
Defense verdict in a General Maritime accident where a worker was injured repairing a blowout on an oil well
The plaintiff was badly burned and suffered emotional injuries when there was a flash fire while repairing a blowout at a Grand Isle oil well. He alleged negligence by the well owner and operator in creating the hazard -- he worked for the company that was called in to repair the blowout. The defendants denied fault and argued the well repair was complex and dangerous by its very nature, and the plaintiff was employed by the company whose very job it was to repair the blowout.
Case tried in Federal Court in Lafayette. It was a defense verdict on 5-3-24.
The image is of the fire event.
Full report in the June 2024 edition.
James Ryan and Taylor Bassett, Morrow Morrow Ryan Bassett & Haik, Opelousas for the plaintiff
Kenneth Laborde and Nicholas Bergeron, Gieger Laborde & Laperouse, New Orleans defending
Judge Maurice Hicks presiding
Published 5-5-24
$967,851 Auto Negligence verdict in Jefferson Parish against Hertz Corporation - Gilbert (Gibby) Andry, IV for the plaintiff
An employee of Hertz (they are self-insured) rear-ended the plaintiff near the airport which resulted in the plaintiff suffering a lumbar disc injury and enduring several procedures. A surgery has been recommended. The defense IME (Andrew Todd) didn't think the surgery was necessary and the defense noted the plaintiff's treatment was sporadic.
The case went to a Jefferson Parish jury on 4-17-24.
The jury asked a question while it was deliberating. The question:
The jury then returned a verdict totaling $967,851 which included $770,000 in non-economic damages. Full report coming in the June 2024 edition.
The jury verdict:
Gilbert W. Andry, IV and Michael J. Winsberg, The Andry Law Firm, New Orleans for the plaintiff
David P. Salley and A. Jacob Culotta, Jr., Salley Hite Mercer & Resor, New Orleans defending
Judge Michael P. Mentz presiding
Published 4-30-24
The May 2024 edition (15 LaJVR 5) is in the tank -- out in print next week
The May 2024 edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter is out next week.
There are several large verdicts including
(1) $3 million drunk driving case against a small-town banker with a .32 BAC,
(2) $614K verdict against Dollar General after the plaintiff fell off a broken toilet,
(3) $91 million (among nine plaintiffs) involving an industrial explosion at a paper mill,
(4) Hospital fall Med Mal in Shreveport.
Published 4-23-24
Plaintiffs accuse defense deputy general counsel (for the defendant) of spying their lawyers hotel "war room" in advance of trial
There is a multi-plaintiff case ongoing in federal court (it is still in trial today) before Judge Shelly Dick that involves an industrial explosion at a Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) paper mill in DeRidder, LA. As the trial began the plaintiff's trial team (its lawyers include several from Arnold & Itkin in Houston) developed a war room at the Baton Rouge Hilton.
As the trial began the plaintiffs filed blockbuster motion for sanctions against PCA's deputy general counsel, Tony Steenkolk, who they alleged set up shop outside the hotel war room and wore a hat to conceal his identity. Steenkolk sat there for hours to eavesdrop it was alleged. This left the plaintiffs, the motion breathlessly explains, disturbed, upset, anxious and violated. The emergency motion sought sanctions including striking the PCA answer and affirmative defenses.
The motion included an image describing the view from which Steenkolk could have observed the war room.
PCA replied it was all innocent. Steenkolk was simply waiting for his hotel room to be cleaned and as the lobby was busy, he set up in a public and quiet part of the hotel. He denied any nefarious purpose or eavesdropping. In fact he explained he even approached the plaintiff's war room to let them know he wasn't snooping.
The motion was set for an emergency hearing and the court heard testimony from a lawyer for the plaintiff (John Grinnan) and Steenkolk. Judge Dick took the matter under advisement and there is no final order on the motion for sanctions. The trial continues.
The plaintiff's original motion (filed 4-11-24) is linked below.
Plaintiff's Motion for Sanctions
Published 4-11-24
Plaintiff injured when while at Sam's Club -- a large grill fell and led to a disc injury - - $189,818 verdict in Shreveport
The plaintiff shopped at a Sam's Club in Shreveport and had bought a 100-pound 4-burner BBQ grill. They were stacked and while helping a store employee remove the grill, it fell and knocked the plaintiff down. He suffered a cervical disc injury and later underwent a two-level diskectomy. Plaintiff's liability theory was that the grill was heavy and the store should have had two employees to assist in removing the grill.
The jury found Sam's Club 30% at fault and the lion's share of 70% to the plaintiff. Plaintiff took his medicals as claimed ($169,818) but just $20,000 in non-economic damages. While the raw verdict was $189,818, the net after apportionment will be just $56,945.
Verdict returned on 4-3-24 after a three-day trial in federal court (removed from Bossier Parish) in Shreveport.
Full report coming in the May 2024 edition. April 2024 is out . . .
Jason B. Nichols and J. Marshall Rice, Rice & Kendig, Shreveport for the plaintiff
Defense: Gregory B. Odom, II and Kelvin G. Sanders, Chadwick Odom & Stokes, Alexandria defending
Terry A. Doughty called balls and strikes
The Verdict Form
Published 4-10-24
Railroad diesel mechanic suffered a disabling foot injury when a locomotive fan tipped over on his foot - $5,380,655 verdict in Shreveport
The plaintiff (a locomotive mechanic for a railroad) suffered a severe foot injury and related CRPS after a large locomotive fan tipped over and fell on him – the incident occurred on the shop floor after the locomotive fan (it weighs 3,000 pounds) was left unsecured -- the jury awarded $5,380,655 in damages of which that sum included $3,880,000 in non-economic damages.
No final judgment has been entered as the parties have contested whether comparative fault (it was an 80-20 split) should apply because the jury found for the plaintiff on both a FELA count and a separate Federal Regulations violation claim.
The verdict form describing the interesting Federal Regulations violation count is the image below.
Report coming in the April 2024 edition (15 LaJVR 4) which is out this week.
Ben Marshall, Jr., Mayer Smith & Roberts, Shreveport and John D. Roven and Kevin M. Camp, Roven Camp, Houston, TX
Elena A. Knezek, L. Bianca Chretien, Danielle A. Boudreaux and Grant F. Freeman, Knezek Law, Lafayette defending
Published 4-6-24
$750,000 trucking verdict in Lafayette -- Plaintiff suffered disc and TBI injuries when a truck tire separated and struck his vehicle
A trucker lost a wheel on the interstate and it careened off the concrete barrier and struck the plaintiff’s heavy-duty pick-up truck in a hard collision – this left the plaintiff with a C4-7 disc injury and a recommendation for a multi-level fusion surgery as well as painful headaches – a federal jury in Lafayette awarded the plaintiff $575,000 in non-economic damages. The verdict form is below.
Report coming in the April 2024 edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter.
J. Derek Aswell, Broussard David & Moroux, Lafayette for the plaintiff
Jean E. Lavidalie, Jr., Pierre & Lacoste, New Orleans defending
Published 2-19-24
Plaintiff had a satirical post during Covid and the local sheriff's office sent a SWAT team to arrest him
Federal Jury in Alexandria found for the plaintiff and awarded $405,000 in damages
The image below sums up this remarkable case where the police sent a SWAT team to arrest a man who had angered them with a satirical Facebook during Covid-19. The stunt resulted in a $405,000 verdict for the plaintiff. The "snip" below summarizes the case and includes the original Facebook post.
Full report in the February 2024 edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter, 15 LaJVR 2.
Published 1-22-24
$350,000 verdict in a Hi-Five Superdome (Saints game) incident
The plaintiff and her husband attended the Saints opening game in 2018 (Bucs) and were making their way inside. A Superdome employee raised her hand to give the plaintiff a so-called "Hi-Five" as the plaintiff started up an escalator. The worker had done this thousands of times. In further painting the picture, it was the opening game and the atmosphere was electric.
Plaintiff alleged that when she joined for the Hi-Five, she was pushed back down the escalator and into her husband. They both suffered injuries. She underwent a microdiskectomy 22 months later.
The plaintiffs sued the Superdome and alleged negligence by the employee in knocking her backwards in giving the Hi-Five. The employee denied touching the plaintiff (she called it a missed connection Hi-Five) and the plaintiff fell back when she fainted.
The jury found the defendant at fault and explicitly rejected that there was a fainting event. It assessed fault 24% to the employee and 51% to the Superdome (75%) to the defendants. The remaining 25% was assigned to the plaintiff. There was no fault to her husband.
The wife took $350,000 (reduced to $262,500 on comparative fault) and $15,000 for the husband. Verdict returned 12-1-23.
Przemek Lubecki and Craig A. Gentry, Morris Bart for the plaintiff. Thomas Brahney and Mary Katherine Koch, Assistant Attorneys General for the Superdome.
Judge Sidney Cates on the bench.
Bucs ended up winning a high-scoring game, 48-40. There were 73,038 fans present.
Report coming in the February 2024 edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter (15 LaJVR 2).
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The interesting verdict form on in this case.
Published 1-2-24
January 2024 preview published
We've started a New Year with our 15th edition. Here is a preview of the 2024 edition, 15 LaJVR 1.
It features a $43,320,228 truck negligence verdict from Iberville Parish. Here is the verdict form in that case. The plaintiff took an astonishing $31 million in non-economic damages, his wife taking $4,000,000 more for her consortium interest.
Chet G. Boudreaux, Gordon McKernan Injury Lawyers, Baton Rouge and Michael P. Fruge and A.M. “Tony” Clayton, Clayton Fruge Ward & Hendry, Port Allen for the plaintiffs. Full report in the January 2024 edition.
Louisiana January 2024 Preview
Published 12-29-23
LSU Football Verdict Just Before Christmas
Just before Christmas (the deliberations ending on Wednesday, Dec 20th), a federal jury in Baton Rouge decided the case of a long-time assistant athletic director (Sharon Lewis) who handled football recruiting under four different LSU head coaches. Lewis, a former track star at LSU, worked under Saban, Miles, Orgeron and briefly, Kelly, before Kelly fired her.
Lewis believed she was fired because she spoke up for female students in the athletic department who had been mistreated by Miles. He was said to have wanted "pretty girls" only working in football, also preferring "light-skinned" black ones. Lewis also alleged she faced a hostile work environment and was sexually harassed by Kelly's associate football coach. This in turn led to Kelly letting her go.
LSU denied it all and said Lewis was let go (along with 41 others) just a month after Kelly took charge in 2002 as a part of a reorganization of the program.
The jury rejected all the plaintiff's claim and Lewis (she sought $6.3 in economic damages and $300,000 for mental anguish) took nothing.
Larry English from New York, NY for the plaintiff
Michael B. Victorian and Susan W. Furr led a team from Phelps Dunbar for LSU
Judge Susie Morgan on the bench
Report coming in the January 2024 edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter.
The full verdict below
Published 12-18-23
Holiday Verdict Update
We're almost putting a wrap on 2023 but we've got a quick roundup on some recent verdicts that are interesting.
I've never seen a case like the first one from New Orleans where the plaintiff, Tamla Pierre, a nurse practitioner, local entrepreneur and restauranteur (Neyow's Creole Cuisine), alleged a genetic test was misinterpreted. She relied on a recommendation that the testing was suggestive of breast cancer (she had a family history) and underwent a prophylactic mastectomy. It turned out the report was in error and test result was no significant. She sued the genetic testing company as well as its local representative who interpreted the results. The trial judge (Irons) granted a directed verdict for the company. The employee prevailed on the individual negligence claim against him and it was a defense verdict. Lawrence Centola and Scott Bickford (Martzell Bickford & Centola) for the plaintiff. Michael Mims and Cherrell Taplin (Liskow & Lewis) defending.
The second case was from Jefferson Parish. The plaintiff, a long-term Lupus suffering, treated at several ERs over a five day period for what was considered just a lupus flare-up, but which was actually an ophthalmological emergency related to an infection. The plaintiff lost vision in one eye because of the episode and described it as a medical nightmare.
In this lawsuit the plaintiff sought damages from several defendants, her rheumatologists, three ER doctors who saw her on different days, and West Jefferson Hospital where she was seen by a nurse practitioner in the ER.
The case was tried over a week in Gretna. The jury exonerated the individual defendants, the court finding (as a bench trial) for the government-operated hospital and the plaintiff took nothing.
It was quite a line-up of lawyers as the jury considered the claim against five separate defendants.
Ron Austin and Catherine Hilton (Ron Austin Law) Harvey for the plaintiff. There were several defendants, represented by Peter J. Wanek and Kathy A. Rito (Wanek Kirsch Davies) New Orleans, Jude D. Bourque, Jones Walker, Baton Rouge, John D. Schoonenberg, Gachassin Law Firm, Lafayette and Michael C. Luquet, Breazale Sachse & Wilson, New Orleans. Judge Nancy Miller on the bench.
A portion of the plaintiff's pretrial order in Tate v. McVey et al.
Look for full reports in the January 2024 edition, 15 LaJVR 1. We will be starting our 15th volume!
Use Code "Holiday23" in the online store through Friday December, 22, 2003. Renew your subscription? Whatever? It's 15% off this week.
We will be back at it in a week. Have a good holiday.
Published 12-11-23
The Louisiana December issue is out -- we've closed the 14th volume on to 15 in January of 2024
Best for the holidays.
Published 11-13-23
$15,960 million brachial plexus med mal in Baton Rouge -- reduced to $710,602 judgment by Louisiana's statutory tort scheme
The plaintiff sustained a permanent and severe brachial plexus injury at birth in 2006. He filed suit in 2008 in East Baton Rouge Parish and finally the case came to trial in 2023. The claim alleged the delivering Ob-Gyn used excessive force during the delivery. The jury awarded the plaintiff $15,960,602 which included non-economic damages of $15.75 million.
The final judgment reduced the verdict to $710,602 to account for the Louisiana med mal scheme. That represented the $500,000 cap plus medical bills of $210,602.
James F. d’Entremont and Sarah E. Hunter, Thompson d’Entremont & Hebert, Baton Rouge for the plaintiff
Amy C. Lambert, Ann M. Halphen and Shelly G. Laplante, Taylor Porter Brooks & Phillips, Baton Rouge for the defendant
Judge Ronald R. Johnson on the bench.
Full report in the November 2023 edition. Subscribe to the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter for all the details.
Published 10-9-23
October 2023 edition is out this week
Here's a preview of the October 2023 edition (14 LaJVR 10) and it will be out later this week.
The issue features a $23.062 million med mal (Runkle v. Louisiana Urology) from Baton Rouge. This is the verdict form from that case. The issue also reports on an interesting $3.4 million med mal from St. Tammany Parish (Vicknair v. Plaissance) where a post-partum mother died 10 days after giving birth from a cardiovascular complication.
Subscribe to the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter for all the details.
Published 10-1-23
Defense verdict in Disability Discrimination/Retaliation Trial in Lafayette (Federal Court)
A procurement officer for a remote site services company (he was working in Dubai) alleged his contract was not renewed because he had told his boss about his PTSD related to his service in the Iraq invasion in 2003. The company cited that his contract was not renewed because of poor performance and a restructuring. The plaintiff though this was a pretext and cited that he had no negative performance reviews.
The jury asked two interesting questions (see below) about the state of the law. It ultimately returned a defense verdict for the employer and the plaintiff took nothing.
Full report coming in the October 2023 edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter
Kenneth St. Pe (Lafayette) for the plaintiff with out of state Illinois counsel
John P. Wolff, III, Tori S. Bowling and Bradi A. Barze (Keogh Cox & Wilson, Baton Rouge) defending
Judge Robert Summerhays on the bench.
The jury's interesting question and the court's reply
Published 9-20-23
Veteran was beaten by a rookie police officer after an off-duty encounter at a bar and sued the city alleging negligent training and retention
Jorge Gomez, a Honduran immigrant and proud military veteran, was at the Mid-City Yacht Club (he was a regular) when two off-duty rookie New Orleans cops joined him for a drink. They were veterans too and believed Gomez had lied about his service. This was false.
The three quarreled and briefly fought. As Gomez drove away from the scene, he alleged the cops blocked his path. A second fight resulted and Gomez took the worst of it. Both officers were promptly fired by the City of New Orleans.
Gomez sued the officers (one was dead by trial and the second was pro se) and alleged a civil rights claim. The officer at trial argued he had not acted under the color of law.
Gomez also sued the city and alleged negligent training, supervision and retention of the officer at trial. He cited the rookie had two pending two investigations going at the time of this attack. The city denied fault.
The case was tried before a federal jury in New Orleans and concluded last Friday. The jury rejected the "color of law" case against the officer as well as the derivative negligence claim against the city. Gomez took nothing.
Full report coming in the October 2023 edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter.
Jarrett Adams, New York, NY and David Isaacson, (Fitzgerald and Isaacson), Miami, FL for the plaintiff
Corwin St. Raymond, Donesia Turner and Renee Gaudeau for the government
Judge Barry Ashe on the bench in New Orleans
Published 8-31-23
Caddo Parish jury rejects a rare Act of God defense in a case where a trucker jack-knifed on black ice
Three plaintiffs were standing next to their vehicle next to I-49 after their driver spun out on the icy road. There was black ice on the overpass. A trucker came through a few minutes later and lost control on the same black ice and struck the plaintiffs. They suffered severe injuries.
The trucker cited an Act of God as a complete defense, that is God was responsible for the black ice and the trucker could do nothing to avoid it. The plaintiffs countered with a truck safety expert.
The three plaintiffs prevailed and rejected the Act of God defense. The damages totaled $2.3 million and were spread between the plaintiffs, $1.01 million, $996K and $350K.
Details coming in the September 2023 edition (14 LaJVR 9) of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter
J. Kyle McCotter, William L. Stroud and Caitlyn Cline, Bossier City for the plaintiffs
Jack E. “Bobby” Truitt and Lauren A. Duncan, The Truitt Law Firm, Covington defending
Judge Michael Pitman on the bench
Published 8-21-23
$1,118,930 bench verdict in Orleans Parish for two plaintiffs injured in a right-of-way collision
Husband and wife plaintiffs were injured in a right-of-way crash with an employee of Bensco (the car folks) and complained of low-back injuries. Their care included ESI treatments and radiofrequency procedures. The case was tried as a bench trial in a single day before Judge Omar Mason in Orleans Parish.
The husband took $568,381 which included non-economic damages of $376,000. The wife took $550,549 which had the same sum ($360,000) for non-economic damages. The verdict for the plaintiffs (combined) totaled $1,118,930 and was reduced to a final judgment.
Full report coming in the September edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter.
Jake Weinstock (Cosse Law Firm), New Orleans (pictured) and Andrew Weinstock (Duplass), Metairie for the plaintiff
Virgil Lacy, Blue Williams, Metairie defending
Judge Omar Mason decided the matter
Published 8-2-23
August 2023 Preview Published - 14 LaJVR 8
Published 7-24-23
$1.26 million trucking verdict in Lake Charles -- Defense New Trial Motion Pending
The plaintiff, an electrical foreman, was stopped at a red light exiting a Wal-Mart. A rookie trucker made a wide turn and struck the plaintiff's truck. The plaintiff has since treated for an L-3 disc injury.
A federal jury in Lake Charles awarded the plaintiff a total of $1.26 million. That included medical bills of $50,000 (past) and $100,000 (future) as well as $840,000 in general damages. The lost wages and pension benefits were $240,000 -- the plaintiff, age 67, alleged he missed three years of work and thus while approaching retirement, he had to work three more years.
CRST Trucking has moved for a new trial and/or to remit the verdict (see the link to the motion below). It cited the plaintiff's pre-existing history and argued $840,000 in general damages was excessive and abuse of discretion. The defense further argued that the “sky is simply not the limit” and that $300,000 was the highest possible amount the jury could award. The motion is pending.
Full Report coming in the August 2023 edition.
Scott D. Webre and Chad M. Ikerd, Webre & Associates, Lafayette for the plaintiff
Michael J. Remondet, Jr., Jeansonne & Remondet, Lafayette defending
Judge James Cain presiding in Lake Charles
The Defense Motion for a New Trial/Remittitur (link to the motion)
BONUS VERDICT from St. John the Baptist Parish on 3-26-23
We have an additional verdict that is interesting from St. John the Baptist Parish. The plaintiff, a train engineer for Union Pacific, suffered injuries when an intoxicated farm worker on a tractor crossed in front of his train. The worker had disregarded flashing lights and driven around a crossing barrier. The worker was killed.
The train engineer sued the farm employer (Roussel Farms) and sought damages that included his mental anguish in seeing the farm worker's gruesome death. The jury awarded the plaintiff $650,000 which included $295,000 in general damages. Of that total $50,000 represented the mental anguish. It also assessed $105,000 more in exemplary damages because of the tortfeasor's intoxication. The defense has since taken an appeal and cited two errors (1) the imposition of punitives, and (2) allowing bystander death damages when the witnessed death involved a stranger.
Willie G. Johnson, Jr., The Johnson Law Group, Baton Rouge for the plaintiff
James K. Ordeneaux, Matthew Habig and Jennifer Voss, Plauché Maselli Parkerson, New Orleans
Vercell Fiffie presided
Published 7-17-23
Trucking verdict in federal court last week in Lafayette -- $11,541 for plaintiff less 50% comparative fault
The plaintiff was involved in a minor sideswipe collision with a trucker in St. Landry Parish and thereafter she complained of low-back pain and was ultimately diagnosed with an L5-S1 disc injury. She incurred medical bills of $47,000 and underwent medial branch block and an RFA.
A federal jury in Lafayette found both drivers at fault.
The plaintiff took a total of $11,541 representing medicals of $4,566 and lost wages of $4,720. The non-economic damages were $1,530. No judgment has yet been entered but presumably it will be for the plaintiff less 50% comparative fault in the sum of $5,770. Report coming in the August 2023 edition including details on the several jury questions that were asked during deliberations.
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Kristi Post and Blake Jones, New Orleans for the plaintiff
Matthew Bailey (pictured) and Katherine Cook (Irwin Fritchie) defending
Judge Robert Summerhays called balls and strikes
Published 7-11-23
Louisiana July 2023 Preview is out . . .
At the link below we reproduce part of the July 2023 edition. Subscribe to the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter.
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Published 7-1-23
$45,500 verdict in St. John the Baptist Parish reduced 88% that representing the percent pre-existing injuries were aggravated
This case was ordinary enough on its face. The plaintiff was rear-ended and complained of neck pain. He had several cervical ESIs. The defense contested the injury and argued it was related to pre-existing conditions.
The court in St. John the Baptist Parish gave an interesting instruction. It allowed the jury to diminish the plaintiff's damages to the extent they represented just an aggravation of the plaintiff's pre-existing conditions. Thus if the jury found the plaintiff had a pre-existing injury, it could then determine the extent to which they were aggravated. In this case the jury decided they were aggravated 12%. That's a quotient verdict right? That's another story. The damages totaled $45,500, representing special damages of $43,500 and $2,000 more for pain and suffering. The net verdict was $5,460.
But here's the kicker. When you look at the instructions, they contemplate both a new injury and the aggravation of a pre-existing injury. But the verdict form makes no mention of the new injury -- its all about the pre-existing condition. Which seems like a bit of a trap for the plaintiff.
In any event that 's how it went down last week. Verdict report coming in the July 2023 edition.
Jim S. Hall and Matthew B. Moreland, Jim Hill & Associates, Metairie for the plaintiff
Andrew C. Weinstock and Joseph C. McAloon, Duplass, Metairie defending
Judge Nghana Lewis on the bench
Published 6-30-23
The July 2023 issue is almost finished and for once . . .it's pretty good. Here's a preview. Have a good weekend.
c opinion issued last week, Justice Jefferson D. Hughes, III, issued a clownish and buffoonish 13 word concurrence in a case. The full concurrence ends with cryptic instructions . . . "Don't have sex"! [Exclamation outside the quote is also weird.]
How did we get here? Let's take a look.
What is Keller v. Touro even about? It's interesting. The plaintiff, Ashley Keller, suffered an ectopic pregnancy which is fatal is untreated. She elected to terminate the pregnancy by medication, namely Methotrexate. Thereafter she followed with an Ob-Gyn, Dr. Jennifer Lapeyrolerie who was monitoring a hormone (BHCG) which is consistent with pregnancy. Why? When the BHCG levels were low or non-existent, the methotrexate had worked and the pregnancy was concluded.
A week later Lapeyrolerie called Keller and told Keller her BHCG levels were way down. Five days later Keller had sex with her husband. This was three weeks after terminating the pregnancy. The sex caused a rupture of the ectopic pregnancy and Keller underwent an emergency surgery to save her live. In fact her husband called 911 after Keller became delirious and lost consciousness. She has impaired fertility as well because she lost a fallopian tube.
Keller then sued Lapeyrolerie and other defendants. What was the heart of the her case? Lapeyrolerie had failed to advise of "pelvic rest" or the risk of sex disrupting the ectopic pregnancy. The medical record was silent on this. Lapeyrolerie testified that she did fully inform Keller about pelvic rest and what that meant. Keller countered she was not meaningfully informed.
It was a classic fact dispute.
What did this have to do with Hughes' absurd concurrence.
The defendants sought to call two of the panelists from the Medical Review Panel. The panel had concluded that Keller was fully informed. The presiding Judge Inemesit O'Boyle limited the defense to just one expert. The defendants sought a writ at the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court granted the writ in an ordinary "per curiam" opinion last week and remanded the matter to the trial court. It is not yet set for trial according to the record.
Carey Wicker, III, Capitelli & Wicker, New Orleans for Keller
Erica Andrews and Kathryn M. Carraway, Carraway LeBlanc, New Orleans defending
The Supreme Court Opinion (External Link) (it is really ordinary and not remarkable)
Justice Hughes (pictured) though concurred and "assigns reasons" which is a stretch to the say the least. Reasons? He told the litigants and the world, apropos of nothing and unrelated to the facts of the appeal, "Don't have sex"! It was ridiculous. His warning to litigants, Louisianians, the parties, the whole world, had nothing to do with the issue on appeal. That's just bad.
Published 6-21-23
Plaintiffs sue to strike down Louisiana's Anti-Porn Bill
Louisiana recently passed legislation that requires porn providers to age-verify that their users are over 18. Essentially those that want to access pornography, described in the legislation vaguely as "harmful material" must age-verify with their driver's license.
A group of plaintiffs filed a lawsuit this week and alleged the law is unconstitutional. It includes a variety of internet content creators, but also a plaintiff, a military spouse in Slidell who watches pornography when her husband is deployed. The link to the lawsuit is below. It was assigned to Judge Susie Morgan. Jeffrey K. Sandman of New Orleans represents the plaintiffs.
The Lawsuit (PDF)
An excerpt from the suit below describes a very sympathetic plaintiff.
Published 6-21-23
Holy Cow -- $13,837,220 med mal in Shreveport on 5-26-23
This is a little preview of the verdict. We'll have a longer post on Friday. Getting ready for some LSU baseball presently.
The verdict form . . .
Published 6-20-23
Premises Liability Defense Verdict in Lake Charles
The plaintiff, a shopper at a Dollar General in Lake Charles, slipped in a spill of soda pop – a customer had dropped a 12-pack of root beer in front of the cashier and a can was broken – the cashier did nothing and moments later the plaintiff slipped in the spilled soda. The plaintiff was returning to check-out (she was jogging) after forgetting an item. The can burst in the time between when she walked away and when she jogged back.
It was a defense verdict.
Scott M. Mansfield and Collin R. Melancon, Mansfield Melancon Cranmer & Dick, New Orleans for the plaintiff
Shannon O. Harrison and Trevor C. Davies, Wanek Kirsch Davies, New Orleans
Report coming in the July edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter.
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Published 6-19-23
New Orleans Med Mal -- Child died of liver toxicity alleged related to the failure to monitor an anti-seizure drug
The plaintiff, age 11, treated for seizures with a NOLA pediatric neurologist, Dr. Shannon McGuire, who prescribed an anti-epileptic drug. The boy was dead five months later. His parents blamed his death on a liver toxicity that they linked to McGuire's failure to monitor his liver function with regular labs because of the known toxicity of the anti-epileptic drugs. Doctor denied she'd violated the standard of care and the cause of the boy's death was unknown.
The complex case was tried for two weeks in Orleans Parish and concluded on May 15, 2023. The jury returned a defense verdict and rejected the case.
Full report coming in the July 2023 edition (14 LaJVR 7) of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter.
David Hanchey and Todd Townsley, Townsley Law Firm, Lake Charles for the plaintiff
Peter Wanek (pictured) and Elicia Ford, Wanek Kirsch Davies, New Orleans defending
Judge Lori Jupiter called the balls and strikes
Published 6-6-23
The June 2023 edition (14 LaJVR 6) has been published. Here's a preview . . .
Published 6-5-23
Unusual $180,000 FELA/FSAA verdict in Shreveport -- Jury was mixed on fault and awarded special damages but nothing for non-economic damages
The plaintiff (a rail conductor) sustained an L5-S1 disc injury when a hand brake "bottomed out" and failed to release. Plaintiff alleged both FELA and FSAA counts.
The verdict was interesting. The jury said "no" on the FELA count but still found the railroad 50% at fault. This was inconsistent. The verdict was for the plaintiff on the FSAA count. The plaintiff then took $180,000 for lost wages but nothing for non-economic damages. There was no reduction for comparative fault in the judgment because comparative fault did not apply to the FSAA count.
The plaintiff moved for a new trial and argued the verdict was inadequate. We have the details on the court's final judgment which raised the original $180,000 verdict. Full report coming in the June 2023 edition of the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter.
Blake David, Broussard & David, Lafayette led the case for the plaintiff
Bobby Gilliam (Wilkinson Carmody & Gilliam) Shreveport for the defense
Judge Brady O'Callaghan on the bench
Published 5-30-23
$125,000 death verdict (multiple plaintiffs) returned in federal court in Shreveport - - 72 years ago in March of 1951
Three plaintiffs were killed and a fourth injured in a head-on crash near Baton Rouge on 8-11-50. The case came to trial against the defendant's insurer seven months later in federal court in Shreveport in March of 1951. The plaintiffs took a combined then-record verdict in Shreveport for $125,000.
The awards were: $35,000 to the mother of William Waldrip, age 19, $20,000 to the mother of Robert Waldrip, age 16 and $30,000 to Lemeul Green's father. A fourth plaintiff (who survived) Bobby Green was awarded $25,000. There was proof he had to drop out of LSU and left the Marines because of his injuries.
The presiding Judge Gaston Porterie.
The defendants moved for a new trial and argued on a technicality that the decedents had not proven they didn't have a wife or children. Judge Gaston Porterie (appointed in 1939 to a new seat by FDR and dead two years later in 1953) concluded there was proof on this matter. He did remit the awards to the plaintiffs as follows, $26,422, $25,000, $20,000 and $15,000.
Published 5-26-23
$2.86 million verdict in a 110 mph power boat crash that killed the driver and passenger -- the key question was who was driving
There was a tragic powerboating accident on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri on 8-26-16. Bradley Dunphy was aboard the Mack Daddy, a powerboat owned by Richard Prince. They were both from Louisiana. The Mack Daddy had 1,350 HP engines and could flat fly.
The Mack Daddy
The boat was traveling at 110 mph or so when it hit the wake of another boat. It flew straight into the air and rolled onto its side. Dunphy was ejected and found 100 feet away. Prince remained on the boat. Both were dead of blunt force trauma.
The key issue in the case was who was driving. The Dunphy plaintiff said it was Prince. The Prince succession thought it was Dunphy. Thus at trial it was Dunphy as plaintiff and defendant versus Prince also as plaintiff and defendant. Each plaintiff, representing the widows and children (Prince only had children) sought damages from one another. There was expert proof as to who was sitting where.
The jury concluded Prince was the driver and was solely at fault. The Dunphy plaintiff took $2.860 million as described in the verdict below and of course, the Prince plaintiff took nothing. A consistent judgment reflected the mixed verdict.
Blake David (Broussard & David) Lafayette for Dunphy as plaintiff
Derek Walker (Chaffe McCall) New Orleans and Russell Holwadel (Adams Hoefer Holwadel) New Orleans for Dunphy as defendant
Jefferson Tillery and Lauren Mastio (Jones Walker) New Orleans for Prince (Plaintiff and Defendant)
Judge Raymond Steib in Gretna called the balls and strikes
The Verdict Form
Published 5-22-23
Second Circuit Court of Appeals reverses directed verdict for chiropractor in med mal case from Franklin Parish
On 5-10-23 the Second Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a med mal directed verdict for a chiropractor. The plaintiff had treated for a "crick" in her neck and suffered stroke symptoms after her chiropractor (Dr. Steven Crawford) performed C-1 toggle maneuver. There were fact disputes about how much force was used on the plaintiff. The trial judge was fixated that the plaintiff's neurosurgery expert said that in 999 of 1,000 similar cases, no injury was resulted. A directed verdict was granted for the chiropractor. The plaintiff appealed.
The Second Circuit (Judge Thompson writing) reversed that the plaintiff had met her proof burden on causation and the trial court erred in focusing on proof that most chiropractic patients in this context don't suffer injury. The matter was remanded with instructions for consistent proceedings.
Kenneth St. Pe for the appellants. Thomas Cowan for the appellee chiropractor. Judge Will Barham was reversed.
Court of Appeals Opinion (External link)
Published 5-18-23
Plaintiff complains of wide-ranging injuries after a serious truck versus van collision -- Greensburg jury awards $1,150 and nothing more
The plaintiff was riding in the camper of a big rig (it was a truck driving school) and sustained wide-ranging injuries when a commercial van crossed the centerline in St. Helena Parish and struck both the truck tractor and trailer. While the plaintiff put on appropriate proof of her injuries, the defense countered with a long pre-existing history of similar complaints.
The case was tried for a week and the plaintiff asked for $6,000,000 in damages. The defense suggested no more than $30,000.
The jury awarded the plaintiff $1,150 in general damages and nothing more. The plaintiff has since moved (its pending) for JNOV relief.
Don R. Williams, Baton Rouge, for the plaintiff
Arthur Landry, New Orleans and David Forkner and Bradley Deutchman, Williams & Connolly, Washington, D.C. defending
Judge Charlotte Hughes Foster on the bench in Greensburg
Pictured below are images from the scene (the defendant's truck) and the verdict form.
Published 5-16-23
Pedestrian versus Motorist trial in Jefferson Parish results in a defense verdict . . . on it happening at all
The plaintiff (Victor Williams) was walking on a sidewalk as the defendant (Eric Diggs) turned from a thrift store parking lot. It was alleged Diggs struck Williams which resulted in assorted injuries and a course of pain management.
Williams sued Diggs (State Farm insured) as well as his own insurer, Imperial Fire. The defense was simple enough. There was no contact at all and Williams threw himself to the ground.
The court's liability instruction was interesting because it described the "thing" as alternatively, accident/incident/impact. Had there been such a thing? The jury said no and that ended the deliberations.
Verdict returned 4-4-23 as shown below on causation.
Loretta Haskins and Kenneth Miller (Dudley DeBosier) for the plaintiff. Scott Ledbetter for Diggs/State Farm. P.M. Donovan had Imperial Fire.
Judge Brindisi was behind the plate.
Published 5-9-23
$1,061,584 Auto Negligence Verdict in Livingston Parish
The plaintiff, age 34 and described as an active wife and mother, complained of a disc injury (she had a single RFA and three years of chiropractic care) after a right-of-way turning crash. A Livingston Parish jury found the defendant solely at fault and awarded the plaintiff $1,061,584 in damages. That included $500,000 in non-economic damages. Verdict returned on 4-20-23.
Russell Beall (pictured), Jake Thomas and Aaron Humphreys, Beall & Theiss, Baton Rouge for the plaintiff.
Frank Romaguera, IV, Comeaux Stephens & Grace, Metaire defending.
Erika Sledge called the balls and strikes.
The verdict form on damages is below.
Published 5-2-23
Updated 3-20-24
Interesting Computer Fraud and Abuse Act verdict in New Orleans against a lawyer-spouse who purportedly spied on her husband's computer during a divorce
The plaintiff, Alexander Ackel, alleged his former wife, Kayla Martynenko (she's a Covington lawyer) unlawfully accessed his computer during a contentious divorce and custody proceedings. His best evidence was the modem in her home which revealed the access.
Ackel sued Martynenko and alleged federal violations of the Computer Fraud & Abuse Act as well as invasion of privacy. Martynenko flatly denied it.
A federal jury in New Orleans found for Ackel on all counts on 4-26-23 and awarded Ackel $19,000 which included $10,000 in punitive damages.
John Venezia represented the plaintiff
Brad Scott (Scott Vicknair -- Martynenko works there) defending
Judge Fallon tried it.
Updated 3-20-24
Attorney Martynenko reached out to update us on this case. We've learned the plaintiff moved for attorney fees. The court denied the motion because he concluded the plaintiff had "repeatedly" perjured himself at trial and other bad stuff as described below in his order.
Plaintiff appealed that order and it is pending at the Fifth Circuit. Martynenko has moved to dismiss the appeal as frivolous. Martyenko also wants it known she believes she was the abused in this entire scenario, this lawsuit represented just more of that abuse and the whole thing is a farce.
Martynenko moved for a new trial after the verdict. Motion denied. Plaintiff has since moved to collect on the judgment including seeking a Writ of Garnishment. His appeal on attorney fees is pending.
Published 4-27-23
Med Mal Defense Verdict on Causation in a Suicide Case -- Natchitoches Parish
College student and Airman reservist at Barksdale, age 22, treated for anxiety and depression with a family practice doctor for a year. She prescribed Paxil (increasing dosage) and other drugs including Effexor. Plaintiff committed suicide on 3-21-10, a month after his last visit to the doctor.
Plaintiff alleges doctor failed to warn of the "black box" guidance on suicide risk for young people on these medications. Doctor denies fault and blamed death on the plaintiff's other life stressors including social, legal, personal and financial difficulties.
Medical Review Panel finds fault. Exonerates on causation.
Case tried to a Natchitoches jury for five days. Jury's result is the same as the review panel.
Full details in the May 2023 edition.
John Paul Charbonnet (Glenn Armentor Law Corporation) Lafayette for the plaintiff
Lawrence Petiette, Jr. and Christopher G. Forester (Pettiete Armand Dunkelman Woodley & Cromwell) Shreveport defending
Judge Desiree Dyess called the balls and strikes.
Published 4-24-23
$4,907,676 auto verdict in Acadia Parish
Late last week there was a $4,907,676 verdict in Crowley. The defendant, in a pick-up truck, pulled from an inferior driver and struck the plaintiff (a surgical nurse in a Suburban), causing her vehicle to roll over. She has since treated for thoracic compression fractures, and C5-7 and L4-5 disc injuries, all of which left her disabled from working and her active lifestyle. The plaintiff also suffers anxiety and depression.
The jury found the defendant solely at fault and and the award included $2.75 million in non-economic damages. The damages portion of the verdict is below.
Blake David (pictured) and Reed Ellis (Broussard & David) Lafayette for the plaintiff
Philip Watson and Andrew Weinstock (Duplass), Metairie for the defense.
Full details coming in the May 2023 edition
We wrote about the first trial back in October . . .
The plaintiff, age 77, either slipped (or fainted) at a Popeye's order counter. She suffered a complex cervical fracture. Before EMS arrived two Popeye's employees assisted her by propping up her head. The cervical injury left the woman a quadriplegic and she spiraled until her death four months later.
Plaintiff alleged negligence regarding the fall or alternatively by the Popeye's employees in propping up her neck, either of which or both, led to her death.
Popeye's denied responsibility for the fall -- the plaintiff had fainted -- it also denied the "propping up" caused an injury.
The jury rejected the "trip and fall" theory but found for plaintiff regarding moving her after the fall. Fault was assessed 30% to Popeye's and the remainder to the plaintiff. The damages totaled $450,000 which were reduced in the judgment by comparative fault to $135,000. Verdict returned 8-15-22.
Gail McKay for the plaintiff
Darrin Patin (Hailey McNamara for Popeyes. Rachel Webre and Morgan Druhan (Gieger Laborde Laperouse) for an excess insurer.
Judge Wilson Fields called the balls and strikes.
Published 2-6-23
New Orleans judge (Laurie White) faces sexual harassment complaint from former judicial secretary
Judge Laurie White (Orleans Parish -- Criminal Court)(pictured) is leaving the bench this year. Last week her former secretary, Emily Tooke, filed a civil lawsuit in federal court (it's assigned to Judge Barry Ashe) that alleges White sexually harassed her. That included making advances at a Christmas Party held at White's home. Tooke alleges the judge told her to wear something sexy, encouraged her to spend the night, provided her a sexy Christmas gift, and that all took place in front of court employees and other judges. Then when Tooke complained, she alleged the judge retaliated against her. A link to the lawsuit is below.
Judge White has indicated she is reviewing her legal rights to what she calls "false and salacious claims that are defamatory."
Tooke's lawyer is Robert A. Pearson, Pearson & Mitchell, New Orleans, Louisiana
The Plaintiff's Complaint (Tooke v. White)
Published 1-31-23
Report concludes juvenile justice harsher in Louisiana after an LSU football loss
Academics studied juvenile justice outcomes in Louisiana after an LSU football loss (when LSU was favored to win) and concluded it was much harsher especially when the judges had undergraduate degrees from LSU.
But to be fair to some of these judges, LSU football is VERY important to them.
The Report (external link)
Published 1-27-23
A sneak peak at the January 2023 edition, 14 LaJVR 1
Subscribe to the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter (link to the online store) to read all the verdicts every month.
Published 1-6-23
Weird verdict in New Orleans before Judge Kern Reese
At a November jury trial in Orleans Parish a jury made an award. That's for sure. What happened? Who knows?
The court record is a disaster. The jury verdict is not a part of the record and the judgment memorializing the trial is just as bad.
What do we know?
Plaintiff injured in a bike versus car crash. Fault was contested. She settled with the tortfeasor for $15,000 and sought UIM coverage from USAA.
There was a trial. The jury awarded her some damages including $50,000 for pain and suffering. The final judgment was for $21,000.
What don't we know?
What was the total award of damages? Was their comparative fault? Did the final judgment subtract $15,000 to reflect the tortfeasor's limits.
That is, was the verdict perhaps $72,000 ($50,000 in pain and suffering and $22,000 more in other damages) all less 50% comparative fault for a net verdict of $36,000, then less the underlying $15,000 limits? Who knows?
Stephen Bruno and Palmer Bruno, Bruno & Bruno, New Orleans for the plaintiff
Russell Holwadel, Adams Hoefer Howadel, New Orleans for USAA
Kern Reese presided over whatever this was
The final judgment is below.
Published 1-5-23
$1,247,527 Dog Attack Verdict in Natchitoches
Plaintiff, a janitor at the courthouse in Natchitoches, opened an office door on premises occupied by the local 4-H office. The 4-H employee had brought their dog to work in violation of policies. The dog charged and the plaintiff turned to flee. In that process the plaintiff suffered a ruptured patellar tendon.
The plaintiff sued the state at trial in Natchitoches Parish and took $1.257 million which was reduced to $500,000 in the final judgment to comply with the statutory limit.
Edwin Dunahoe (pictured) & Jared Dunahoe (Dunahoe Law Firm) Alexandria for the plaintiff
David A. Johnson, Assistant Attorney General defending
Judge Lala Sylvester on the bench
Published 1-3-23
Cotton Bowl -- Holy Cow -- What a Game
Best game I've ever seen in person!
My daughter (also a Tulane athlete) and QB1 celebrated that night in Dallas!
Published 12-12-22
Surgical Med Mal results in a defense verdict in Lafourche Parish
Plaintiff underwent a gallbladder surgery at Bayou Regional Surgical Center. The surgeon confidently identified the anatomy but his confidence was misplaced. He clipped the common hepatic duct instead of the cystic artery and this led to a complex repair course.
Plaintiff alleged this was medical error -- the doctor (a Medical Review panel agreed) called it a complication.
The case came to trial 12-plus years after the surgery. A Thibodaux jury returned a defense verdict.
Sarah Norwood Trouard and Edward P. Sutherland for the plaintiff
J. Ryan Pierret (pic) of Judice & Adley defending
Judge Marla M. Abel was on the bench
Details coming in the Louisiana Jury Verdict Reporter in the January 2023 edition.
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Published 12-7-22
Plaintiff rear-ended by a police officer -- $325,000 verdict for the plaintiff
This case was ordinary enough. Plaintiff rear-ended by a police detective and complained of a neck and back injury.
What was interesting? The jury asked a question in deliberations. How did they get the three times the medicals for pain and suffering? It turned out the jury awarded the plaintiff 3.15 times their medicals for pain and suffering ($208,750/$66,250) in returning a $325,000 total verdict.
Report coming in the December 2022 edition (13 LaJVR 12).
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Denis Barry (Law Offices of Spencer Calahan) Baton Rouge for the plaintiff
David Lefeve and Michael Schillage (Parish Attorneys) defending
Judge Trudy White on the bench
The jury question and the jury verdict from Horton v. Baton Rouge
Published 12-5-22
Cotton Bowl!
You better believe my daughter, a student at Tulane and a member of the cross country/track team, RUSHED the field at Yulman Saturday night.
#footballschool
Roll Wave!
Published 11-23-22
Products Liability verdict in Lake Charles involving an exploding fishing boat
A complex products liability case concluded last night in federal court in Lake Charles. Three plaintiffs suffered severe burns (one later died of an overdose that was linked to his injuries) when a 26-foot Sea Fox fishing boat blew up. Why did it blow up?
The plaintiffs linked it to a fuel leak from a corroding water separating filter. The boat was manufactured by Sea Fox -- Yamaha Motor made the filter. The case was complicated as there were three plaintiffs (represented by two sets of lawyers) suing two separate product defendants. There was also a third-party complaint against the owners of the boat.
Ultimately after a trial of several weeks, a defense verdict was returned.
There were a LOT of lawyers involved but summarizing:
Timothy Young, The Young Firm, New Orleans for the plaintiff
Megan Senter, MGM Law, New Orleans for Sea Fox
Joseph Glass, Duplass, Metairie for Yamaha Motor
Judge James Cain called the balls and strikes.
The boat that exploded . . .
Published 11-9-22
$14.25 million med mal verdict in Ouachita Parish
The plaintiff blamed an ER doctor and a nurse practitioner for missing signs of a neurosurgical crisis on two trips on the same day to the ER at Glenwood Regional Medical Center. On the first visit the ER doctor diagnosed a muscle spasm and gave the plaintiff pain meds. When the plaintiff returned the same ER doctor and a nurse practitioner believed the plaintiff's symptoms (numbness) were related to an adverse drug reaction.
The next day the plaintiff awoke paralyzed and underwent a surgery to treat a C5-6 cord compression. She has permanent deficits.
A Monroe jury awarded the plaintiff $14.25 million including $13.5 million for future care. The defendant appealed the judgment, the PCF intervened to appeal and the plaintiff has appealed too citing that the $100,000 liability limit should not apply because the defendants did not introduce proof at trial that they were qualified healthcare providers.
Ravi Sangisetty, William Boyles and Amanda Olmsted, Sangisetty Law Firm, New Orleans for the plaintiff
Barry T. Boudreaux and Michael A. Dalman, Gachassin Law Firm, Lafayette, defending
Judge Daniel Ellender on the bench
Published 10-31-22
Cardiology Med Mal Defense Verdict in Gretna (Jefferson Parish)
Plaintiff, age 72, underwent a relatively minor cardiac procedure at Ochsner Heart to close an opening in the atria of her heart. She suffered an air embolus in her coronary artery which led to cardiac arrest and a significant neurology injury. The once active plaintiff was limited and died six years later.
Plaintiff sued her cardiologist and alleged error by him in allowing the embolus to develop and then in failing to respond quickly enough with treatment. The doctor called it a complication.
The case was tried three days in Jefferson Parish. DEFENSE VERDICT.
Report coming in the November edition.
Jerald Block and Matthew Hymel (Block Law Firm) Thibodaux for plaintiff
Don McKinney and Diana Surprenant (Adams & Reese), New Orleans defending
Judge Stephen Grefer tried it.
The final judgment . . .
Published 10-27-22
Supreme Court ups general damages in a facial dogbite of a toddler from $5,000 to $50,000
Addison Franks, age 2, was bitten on the face by a pit bull in November of 2016 while her mother visited a friend, Joshua Sikes. Sikes lived in a trailer owned by his grandfather. The property was insured by Farm Bureau. The incident occurred in Tensas Parish.
The dog suffered a serious injury to her lip. She underwent a complex surgery but still has pain and scarring.
The girl (through her mother) sued Sikes and Farm Bureau. The trial judge (Brister) found the dog was not an unreasonable risk of harm.
Franks appealed. The Court of Appeals (2nd Circuit) reversed in December of 2021 and found the dog was dangerous. It awarded the girl medicals of $2,419 and $10,500 more for future care. Her general damages were $5,000 for a total of $17,919. See Franks v. Sikes, 331 So.3d 1107 (La. App. 2 Cir 2021).
Franks appealed to the Supreme Court. The court reversed in October of 2022 (10-21-22( that the damages were abusively low. It traced the girl's injuries and course of care and concluded $50,000 was the lowest reasonable amount of general damages. Thus the award of $17,919 was bumped to $62,919. The link to the opinion is below.
Tina Wilson and Richard Wilson, Cox Cox Filo Camel & Wilson, for the plaintiff
Kyle Moore, Cotton Bolton Hoychick & Doughty, for Farm Bureau (primary defendant)
Trial Judge: Laurie Brister (Tensas Parish)
The Supreme Court Opinion (external link)
Published 10-25-22
$2,043,000 UIM verdict in Shreveport (federal court) exceeds remaining $1,212,249 policy limits
A week ago after a two-day trial, the plaintiff was awarded $2.043 million by a federal jury in Shreveport. Plaintiff complained of a multi-level disc injury (thoracic, lumbar and cervical) after a roll-over crash. The tortfeasor settled for her $15,000 limits and the plaintiff sought UIM limits up to a $1.325 ceiling with his insurer, USAA.
The jury awarded sums that exceeded the ceiling of coverage as shown on the verdict below. The final judgment was for $1,212,249 representing the policy limits less prepayments by the tortfeasor and USAA.
Trey Morris (pictured) and Justin Dewett (Morris & Dewett) Shreveport for the plaintiff
Frank Carroll (Mayer Smith & Roberts) Shreveport defending
Judge Terry Doughty called the balls and strikes.
The verdict itself . . .
Published 10-17-22
$500,000 Loss of Chance "Wrongful Birth" Verdict in Shreveport -- Prental Down's Syndrome test misread
The plaintiff underwent a QUAD blood screen for Down's Syndrome. It was positive but her medical group and her Ob-Gyn misread it. She delivered a child with Down's. The plaintiff sued and alleged wrongful birth and loss of chance. The child too sued for wrongful life. The trial court dismissed that claim and the dismissal was affirmed on appeal.
The jury rejected wrongful birth but found for the plaintiff on loss of chance. It awarded general damages of $500,000 to the parents. If for the plaintiff on wrongful birth, the plaintiff could have taken medical bills and lost wages.
Susan Hamm, Shreveport for the plaintiff
Brady D. King, McNew King & Landry, Monroe for PCF (the doctors settled)
Judge Brady O'Callaghan behind the plate.
The jury's verdict on Wrongful Birth and Loss of Chance are below.
Published 10-13-22
$3.614 million med mal death verdict in Jefferson Parish -- ER doctor blamed for missing signs of a cerebral stroke
The plaintiff, age 57, was seen on 3-17-22 by an ER doctor who diagnosed vertigo. Days later the plaintiff was brain dead of a stroke. Plaintiff alleged the ER doctor failed to diagnose the stroke at the ER visit. The doctor defended that the fatal stroke occurred after the ER visit and there was no signs of stroke at that visit.
A Jefferson Parish jury found for the plaintiff on 9-29-22 and awarded the plaintiff $3,614,407 which represented $1,000,000 for the decedent's suffering, $2,000,000 for his wife's consortium interest and $250,000 for each of his adult children. The remaining $114,407 represented medical bills.
Monica Sanchez, Jeffrey Mitchell, Hugo Chanez and Ashley Page (Mitchell Sanchez) for the plaintiff
Deborah DeoGracias Trahan and Tonya Gallaspy (Schroeder & Trahan) defending
Judge Danyelle M. Taylor on the bench.
See the verdict below. Details coming in the October 2022 edition.
Published 10-12-22
The plaintiff (an elderly woman) fell at a Popeye's which led to her death four months later -- $450,000 verdict in East Baton Rouge Parish
The plaintiff, age 77, either slipped (or fainted) at a Popeye's order counter. She suffered a complex cervical fracture. Before EMS arrived two Popeye's employees assisted her by propping up her head. The cervical injury left the woman a quadriplegic and she spiraled until her death four months later.
Plaintiff alleged negligence regarding the fall or alternatively by the Popeye's employees in propping up her neck, either of which or both, led to her death.
Popeye's denied responsibility for the fall -- the plaintiff had fainted -- it also denied the "propping up" caused an injury.
The jury rejected the "trip and fall" theory but found for plaintiff regarding moving her after the fall. Fault was assessed 30% to Popeye's and the remainder to the plaintiff. The damages totaled $450,000 which were reduced in the judgment by comparative fault to $135,000. Verdict returned 8-15-22.
Gail McKay for the plaintiff
Darrin Patin (Hailey McNamara for Popeyes. Rachel Webre and Morgan Druhan (Gieger Laborde Laperouse) for an excess insurer.
Judge Wilson Fields called the balls and strikes.
Full report coming in the October edition
Published 10-7-22
$20,000,000 verdict in West Baton Rouge Parish arises from an alleged roadway defect
The plaintiff's father ran off the road and skidded on the shoulder. The shoulder was overgrown with grass and thus was slippery. The car crashed into a guardrail which sheared it open. The plaintiff (a boy, age 10) suffered an above-the elbow arm amputation and other serious injuries. In this lawsuit the plaintiff blamed the crash on the LA Dept. of Transportation and Development's failure to maintain the roadway, and particularly, to clear the asphalt shoulder that was overgrown with grass.
On 9-16-22 a Port Allen jury awarded the boy $20,000,000 including $17,000,000 million in general damages. Fault was assessed 20% to LA DOTD, 40% to the plaintiff's father and 40% more to a third-party driver. The net for the plaintiff then is $4,000,000. No judgment has yet been entered.
Report coming in the October 2022 edition.
Frank Tomeny, Jennifer Kinberger and Arthur Bagwell for the plaintiff
Christopher Stidham and Stacey Moak for LA DOTD
Judge Elizabeth Engolio called the balls and strikes
Published 10-3-22
Auto Negligence
The plaintiff, a pedestrian on Carrolton Avenue in New Orleans, was run over by a motorist turning right at a red light. The plaintiff suffered a crush leg and a concussion.
A New Orleans jury (Orleans Parish) awarded the plaintiff a total of $1,610,200, which included $1.36 million in non-economic damages.
Tried July 20, 2022.
John Sudderth and Kate Casanova, Metairie for the plaintiff
Michael Thompson and Francis Cannone, Taylor Wellons, Baton Rouge defended
Judge Omar Mason behind the plate calling balls and strikes.
Truck Negligence
A trucker pulled from a stop sign and into the plaintiff's path. It was a serious crash and the plaintiff suffered an amputated finger, PTSD, cervical and lumbar fusions, among other injuries. The plaintiff proceeding in federal court in Lafayette took an even verdict of $3,000,000 which included the odd number of $1,840,892 in non-economic damages.
Tried August 5, 2022.
Blake Davis, Broussard & Davis, Lafayette for the plaintiff
James M. Dill, Dill Law Firm, Lafayette defending
Judge Robert Summerhays on the bench.
Published 9-19-22
A quick roundup of recently reported verdicts:
Garraway v. Ford, Products Liability (roll-over) East Baton Rouge Parish, 8-12-22, Defense verdict
Gniady v. Oschners, Med Mal (failure to diagnose cardiac condition, Orleans Parish, 8-19-22, Defense verdict
Auttonberry v. Cox, Auto Negligence (right of way), East Baton Rouge Parish, 8-23-22, Defense verdict
Ruff v. Horseshoe Casino, Premises Liability (trip in parking garage), Bossier Parish, 8-17-22, Defense verdict
(The curious verdict form in Ruff)
Compton v. Moncla Marine, Marine Negligence (struck in head by rigging), New Orleans Federal, 9-6-22, $3,796,650
Oldenburg v. Elkersh, Med Mal (pain management error), Tangipahoa Parish, 8-12-22, $3,975,000
Domec v. Fanguy, Auto/UIM, Jefferson Parish, 5-4-22, Defense verdict
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