Broussard, David & Moroux, Author at Louisiana Lawyer Blog

Louisiana State Police Report Thirteen Fatal Holiday-Week Crashes

December 18, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

The Louisiana State Police reported thirteen fatal crashes in Louisiana over the Thanksgiving holiday week. The accidents tragically resulted in fourteen deaths. Two crashes were caused by driver impairment and one crash involved a motorcycle and a pedestrian.

Louisiana law takes a harsh stance on drunk driving. This past legislative session, state lawmakers passed six new laws giving officers several methods to test an individual suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These laws also create harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

Despite the state’s recent crack down on drunk driving, driving under the influence remains a serious problem in the state, especially during the holidays. Impaired driving is a leading cause of fatal motor vehicle accidents in Louisiana. If your loved one was seriously injured or killed in a drunk driving accident, you should speak with a lawyer to learn about your legal rights.

Gulf of Mexico Oil Rig Explosion Claims Three Lives

December 11, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico exploded and caught fire off the coast of Grand Isle, tragically killing three workers. Out of twenty-four workers on the platform at the time of the explosion, four workers also suffered serious burns. One worker who suffered severe burns died after the accident at the hospital.

Regulators from the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement ordered Black Elk Energy, the platform operator, to immediately improve its offshore safety. Black Elk runs 98 platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, and the bureau recorded 156 non-compliance problems with Black Elk in 2012 alone.

Operators of oil platforms are legally required to create and implement safe working conditions for their workers. All too often, accidents occur when employers fail to routinely inspect and maintain equipment on the oil platform or fail to establish a framework of safe operating procedures for workers.

Texas Thanksgiving Interstate Pileup Kills Two and Injures Many

December 3, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

At least 140 vehicles collided on Interstate 10 in southeast Texas in thick fog Thanksgiving morning, killing two people and injuring more than 80. The two people who died were tragically crushed by an 18-wheeler in their SUV. Due to the dense fog, officers at the scene were initially unable to determine the magnitude of the massive accident.

In a multi-vehicle pileup, it may be difficult for an insurance company to ascertain fault and determine liability. Even in extreme weather conditions, drivers still have a duty to drive responsibly and exercise caution on the road. In large vehicle pileups, state laws and precedent often set the tone for assigning fault after the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can assess the accident and give you an estimate of each party’s fault in the accident.

Silos and Grain Bins Continue to Endanger Farm Workers

November 27, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Silos and grain bins continue to pose serious dangers to farm workers across the United States, according to a recent New York Times report. The report found that despite a sharp decline in farm-related accidents across America, the number of deadly silo and grain bin accidents remained consistent.

In the last five years, 80 farm workers have been crushed or asphyxiated in silos or grain bins. The report found that many of these work-related accidents were completely preventable. Among these accidents, the most serious accidents involved child and teen workers.

Experts suggest that this steady death rate can be attributed to relaxed workplace safety regulations. Federal regulators do not monitor the working conditions of large commercial farms. In addition, many farms, especially small family farms, cannot afford to train and protect workers from these known dangers.

Fungal Meningitis Outbreak Linked to Tainted Steroid Injections

November 20, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

More than 300 recipients of tainted steroid injections have been diagnosed with fungal meningitis across the United States. Officials discovered black mold in the steroids in September. No cases have been reported in Louisiana.

In the last two months, these contaminated steroid injections have caused 24 deaths in the United States. Because doctors commonly insert steroid injections into the spine, doctors warn that meningitis can silently creep into a healthy patient’s system without causing the immune system to react defensively. The spine also gives the fungus direct access to the brain.

Doctors ceased administering the tainted shots. However, doctors recommend that all patients who have recently received steroid injections closely monitor their symptoms. If detected early, fungal meningitis is highly treatable.

Meningitis symptoms include headache, fever, stiff neck, swelling, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and hallucinations. If you have experienced any of these symptoms after receiving steroid injections, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Supreme Court Considers Definition of “Vessel” Under Federal Maritime Law

November 13, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

The U.S. Supreme Court began its 2012 term hearing a case that could clarify whether floating structures qualify as vessels under federal maritime law. The determination of this issue could have a serious impact on floating homes and floating businesses.

In Lozman v. Riviera Beach, Fane Lozman, a Florida man living in a floating home off of Riviera Beach, and the city of Riviera Beach disputed whether Lozman’s home was a vessel or house for eminent domain purposes. After Lozman refused to register his floating home with the city, the city used federal maritime law to put a lien on the boat as a vessel.

Lawmakers Call on FDA to Regulate Energy Drinks

November 6, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Two U.S. senators asked the Food and Drug Administration to eliminate regulatory loopholes that permit energy-drink manufacturers to sell drinks without disclosing high levels of caffeine last week.

This request follows after the agency released findings from its investigation into five deaths that were allegedly linked to the consumption of Monster energy drinks. Under current FDA regulations, the makers of energy drinks are not required to disclose ingredients on the label because they are considered natural food products.

Consumer reports suggest many energy drinks contain higher levels of caffeine than their packaging indicates or do not even list caffeine as an ingredient. Studies reveal that one energy drink can contain four to five times more caffeine than the average soda.

Helicopter Carrying 19 Oil Rig Workers Forced to Ditch

October 30, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A helicopter carrying 19 men to an oil rig in the North Sea was forced to ditch when mechanical issues were reported by the pilot. The investigation of the ditching is ongoing, but a failed gear-box is believed to be a factor.

A nearby tanker and helicopter offered assistance and all 19 passengers made it safely out of the helicopter. This accident mirrors a 2009 ditching also caused by failed mechanical gear components. That 2009 incident was also in the North Sea and resulted in the death of 16 individuals.

Texas Students Injured in School Bus Crash

October 23, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Two Texas school buses crashed into each other in San Antonio Monday morning near the entrance of a Texas high school. One bus driver died in the accident, and five student passengers suffered injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

School bus crashes are uncommon. However, when these crashes occur, they all too often result in tragedy and loss of life. When bringing a personal injury claim after a school bus accident, a plaintiff must first determine fault. Many actors can contribute to a school bus accident, including a negligent bus driver and other careless drivers on the road.

Federal court approves $37.5 million FEMA trailer settlement

October 16, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A federal judge gave final approval to a $37.5 million settlement between the manufacturers of FEMA trailers and storm victims who used the trailers following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This class of 55,000 plaintiffs claimed they were exposed to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, while living in the trailers.

In a toxic tort lawsuit, an individual seeks compensation for injuries, health problems or death resulting from dangerous exposure to toxins or hazardous materials. An individual can bring a toxic tort claim as a single plaintiff or as multiple plaintiffs through a class action lawsuit.