Broussard, David & Moroux, Author at Louisiana Lawyer Blog

Gulf of Mexico Oil Platform Fire Extinguished

October 9, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A fire started on a W&T Offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico last week about 30 miles off the coast of Louisiana. The company evacuated the platform and extinguished the fire. One worker reported minor injuries.

The Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) are federal statutes that cover maritime workers who are injured on the job. These laws offer maritime workers legal protection and entitle workers to compensation for their injuries. The circumstances surrounding an injured worker’s employment will determine which statute applies to the worker.

Iberia Parish Pedestrian Hit by 18-Wheeler

October 2, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An 18-wheeler truck struck a pedestrian in Iberia Parish last week. The pedestrian died at the scene of the accident. The 18-wheeler driver was not injured. State police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Pedestrian accidents involving 18-wheelers are especially deadly because of the heavy weight of these large trucks. Each year, pedestrian fatalities make up about 12 percent of all traffic fatalities. Among these fatalities, statistics show that children and the elderly are more likely to be involved in a pedestrian accident.

Monroe Man Missing After Boating Accident

September 24, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A search is underway for a 60 year old Monroe man who went missing after a boating accident on the Ouachita River. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries confirmed that the man’s boat was found on the river.

Florida A&M University Dance Team Suspended for Hazing

September 13, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Florida A&M University suspended its dance team after university officials received a complaint alleging an off-campus hazing incident involving the team. The university is currently investigating the incident. Florida A&M adopted a no-tolerance hazing policy after its drum major was tragically killed last year during a band hazing ritual.

Hazing-related injuries and deaths have been on rise across U.S. schools. Hazing occurs when a member of a group pressures a new member to participate in certain abusive, dangerous or embarrassing conduct to gain admission to or acceptance in the group.

Ford Recalls Nearly 50,000 Escape SUVs

September 6, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Ford Motor Co. issued an international recall of nearly 500,000 Escape SUVs after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 68 complaints. These complaints included reports of 13 accidents and one fatality. The recall includes the 2001 to 2004 model year Escapes.

The NHTSA says the problem is linked to an inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the cruise control cable. This defect can cause the gas pedal to stick. Ford also recalled its 2013 model year Escapes after discovering that the engines could catch fire due to a defective fuel line leak.

Baton Rouge Experiences Interstate Closure Due to 18 Wheeler Crash

August 30, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An 18-wheeler driver lost control of his truck on Interstate 10 recently, crashing into the retaining wall. According to authorities, the driver refused to cooperate with the police in determining the cause of the accident. The police later determined the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident. There were no injuries in the accident.

The immense size and weight of an 18-wheeler truck can cause serious injuries in an automobile accident. Each year, over 150,000 people are injured by 18-wheeler accidents in the U.S alone. By law, drivers of 18-wheelers are under a heightened duty to operate the truck in a safe and cautious manner. Federal and state laws also govern the practices of 18-wheelers. These laws typically cover the number of hours a driver can drive within a 24-hour-period, the company’s maintenance and loading standards, and driver qualifications.

After an accident with an 18-wheeler, it is important to choose an attorney who is experienced in handling these types of cases. 18-wheeler accidents differ from typical auto accidents because the truck driver’s employer’s practices may also have contributed to the cause of accident. In addition, an employer can often be held vicariously liable for the accident. An experienced attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

Baton Rouge Cyclist Killed in Collision with SUV

August 23, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An SUV driver struck a bicyclist riding his bike late Monday night in Baton Rouge. The bicyclist died at the scene of the accident. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Due to its large size and weight, a vehicle can cause serious and even fatal injuries to a bicyclist. Statistics reveal bicyclists are most likely to become involved in an accident while riding in intersections and at night. It is important for bicyclists and drivers to take extra precautions in the presence of each other. These precautions include driving cautiously, making each other’s presence known, wearing reflectors and abiding by traffic laws.

Gulf Coast States Rank Among the Most Dangerous States for Drivers

August 16, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A recent study shows Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi rank among the top ten states with the highest rates of auto fatalities in the nation. Mississippi had the highest rate of motor vehicle-related deaths in the United States. The Trust for America’s Health, a non-profit group, conducted the study through analyzing a series of U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports.

The study also analyzed the current policies of states with higher numbers of motor vehicle-related deaths. The study suggests that Louisiana has taken positive steps to improve its fatality statistics through state legislation. These laws include requiring the installation of an ignition lock in the vehicles of convicted drunk drivers, penalizing distracted driving and mandating seatbelt use. Nevertheless, the study notes that the state has failed to effectively enforce these laws.

Fatal escalator accidents raise concerns about escalator safety

August 9, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A 20-year-old Tennessee fan was killed after he fell over an escalator railing in the Georgia Dome. Another fan fell five stories to his death at the Texas-Vikings game in Houston last week. Police suspect both fans had consumed alcohol before falling.

Escalator accidents are becoming more common in today’s fast-paced world. Falls are the leading cause of escalator-related deaths and injuries in the U.S. Even with user misuse, falls can be caused by a defect in the escalator’s design. For example, an escalator may be defective if the designed railing is not high enough to keep riders secure.

Acadiana Girl Killed, Another in Critical Condition After Recent Accidents

August 2, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An 11 year-old girl died in a tragic car crash earlier this month on LA Highway 104. The accident occurred when the driver drove off the road and hit a tree. Police do not know what caused the driver to leave the road. The other passengers, a 12 year-old girl and 13 year-old boy suffered only minor injuries.

Another 15 year old girl is currently in critical condition after the driver of the vehicle she was riding in also left the road, hit a ditch, and flipped the vehicle. The accident occurred on LA 320 and is currently under investigation.