Wrongful Death

Drunk Driving Accident in Carencro Results in Death of Unborn Child

December 20, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A Carencro man has been charged with first-degree negligent vehicular homicide after striking a vehicle containing a female passenger who was six months pregnant. The man admitted to police that he had been drinking beer and tequila since the early morning before driving his car without headlights and colliding with the vehicle containing the pregnant passenger. After the accident, the man fled on foot, failing to identify himself or offer aid to the injured parties. The pregnant woman was rushed to the hospital to perform an emergency Cesarean birth; unfortunately, the child did not survive.

Gulf Platform Explosion Kills Three: $180 Million Sought

August 30, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An explosion at an offshore oil platform on the Gulf of Mexico in November 2012 killed three workers and severely injured two others. A consultant who carefully reviewed the deadly accident concluded that the explosion was the fault of unsafe welding practices by a subcontractor of Grand Isle Shipyards, Inc. The report alleges that the subcontractor, DNR Offshore and Crewing Services, and Grand Isle Shipyards did not properly carry out welding processes and failed to stop work when unexpected conditions arose. The two injured workers and their spouses filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in New Orleans, seeking $80 million in compensatory damages in addition to $100 million in punitive damages.

Workplace accidents commonly occur in places such as offshore oil rigs and chemical plants due to the heavy machinery involved and the presence of flammable chemicals. Employers must take every possible precaution to ensure a safe working environment for their employees to avoid tragedy. Workplace fires and explosions can lead to death or catastrophic injuries, such as limb-loss or severe burns.

Walker Woman Killed in Collision Involving Two 18-Wheelers in Walker

August 8, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A fatal three-vehicle accident involving two tractor-trailer trucks claimed the life of a Walker woman and left her husband in critical condition. One of the 18-wheelers attempted to change lanes on I-12 late Tuesday night when it struck the Volkswagen convertible carrying the two victims. The collision with the truck sent the convertible into the path of a second 18-wheeler. The woman died at the scene of the accident and her husband was taken to Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center in critical condition. Neither of the two tractor-trailer truck drivers suffered injuries and an investigation of the crash is underway.

Lake Pontchartrain Accident Sends One Car into Lake

July 2, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A four-vehicle pileup on the 24-mile bridge that connects Jefferson Parish and St. Tammany Parish resulted in one vehicle and its occupant falling into Lake Pontchartrain. Fortunately, emergency workers on the scene rescued the occupant from the lake with no serious injuries. The occupants of the other three vehicles did not report serious injuries as well.

Multi-vehicle accidents usually become problematic when trying to ascertain fault and apportion liability. Insurance carriers may refuse to assist if they claim that you were partially responsible for the accident, which may leave you with astronomical medical bills and other costs. If you are involved in an accident of this nature, you should immediately consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can assess the accident and protect your rights.

The attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux have the expertise and experience necessary to take on these insurance companies and give you the relief that you deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered harm as a result of a motor vehicle accident, contact the attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux to discuss your legal rights at (337) 233-2323 (local) or (888) 337-2323 (toll-free).

Geismar Plant Explosion Kills Two, Injures 76

June 17, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An explosion at the Williams Olefins chemical plant in Geismar, Louisiana, claimed one worker’s life and left seventy-seven others injured. The explosion occurred in an area of the plant that was producing propylene, a highly flammable gas. One of the deceased victims was an operator at the plant and had been employed there since October. The other deceased victim was a 47-year-old man who later died in the hospital from his injuries.

Workplace accidents are more likely to occur in refineries and plants due to the volatile nature of the chemicals and the operation of heavy machinery. It is of utmost importance for the employers at these worksites to create a safe working environment for their employees in order to avoid dangerous situations that may lead to tragedy. Workplace fires and explosions can lead to death or life-altering injuries, such as burns or loss of limbs.

Breaux Bridge Salt Plant Employee Killed in Electrocution Accident

June 11, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An employee was tragically killed on Saturday evening at a salt processing plant in Breaux Bridge. The man was electrocuted as he checked on an instrument used to determine salt levels and died at the scene. The victim was a plant superintendent and was employed by the company for over twenty years.

Work-related accidents can be preventable as long as strict safety regulations are in place to protect employees from serious harm and death. Employers must take necessary steps to ensure that their employees are properly trained, equipment is safe to use, and work conditions are hazard-free. Serious injuries and death could result if an employer is too lax regarding these safety protocols in their workplace. If an employer is negligent or knowingly failed to take necessary precautionary measures and you or a loved one was injured or killed in a workplace accident, the employer may be liable for the resulting damages.

The attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle cases of this nature and will fight to obtain fair compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered harm as a result of a workplace accident, contact the attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux to discuss your legal rights at (337) 233-2323 (local) or (888) 337-2323 (toll-free).

Offshore Workers Most Likely To Die

May 9, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A recent Center for Disease Control and Prevention study reveals that oil and gas industry workers are seven times more likely to be killed while working than all other workers in the United Sates. Offshore fatalities from 2003-2010 were used in the study, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Industries.

Transportation accidents were noted as the cause for a high percentage of deaths. Over half of the accidents from 2003-2010 were transportation related. All transportation accidents occurred in the Gulf of Mexico and 49 were helicopter accidents.

Shreveport 18 Wheeler Crash Leaves One Dead

May 2, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

The collision of two 18-wheelers between Exit 3 and Exit 5 of Interstate 20 in Shreveport leaves one driver dead. According to police, a rig carrying empty water bottles was rear-ended by another 18-wheeler. The second driver did not survive.

Accidents involving 18-wheelers can be especially catastrophic. The average 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer truck is 15 times heavier than the average passenger vehicle. This disparity in size and weight causes devastating injuries, including paralysis, brain trauma, broken bones and debilitating spine and back injuries. These injuries can be permanent, life altering and expensive to treat. If you or a family member suffered a serious injury in a truck accident, you should not hesitate to retain an experienced attorney who will fight for your rights.

Alabama Barge Explosions Injure Many

April 25, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Two fuel barges carrying natural gas exploded in Mobile, Alabama. The explosions resulted in the evacuation of a nearby docked cruise ship and critical burns on at least three individuals. The barges, owned by a Houston company, were in Mobile for cleaning and had been carrying natural gasoline.

Accidents on the water, such a boating collisions or other accidents, can cause serious a long-term injuries. Our firm represents clients in Louisiana that have sustained a serious personal injury or lost a loved one because of a boating collision or some other kind of boating accident.

NYC Ferry Crash Victims Seek Millions in Damages

January 30, 2013 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

In the weeks following the tragic New York City ferry crash, survivors and their families have filed lawsuits against the ferry’s operator under maritime law. More than 70 people were injured in the accident, and several victims remain in intensive care. A new National Transportation Safety Board report details the shocking minutes leading up to the crash.

The plaintiffs include the family of a Wall Street broker who suffered serious injuries in the accident. The family sued the operator for $45 million in damages for his injuries. Other lawsuits have been filed on behalf of a victim who remains unconscious, a victim who suffered a spinal fracture and a victim who suffered a fractured skull. The ferry operator moved to limit its total liability under federal maritime law to $7.6 million, the estimated total value of the damaged vessel.

The Jones Act provides for specific rights to those who qualify for seaman status. However, the Jones Act is not the exclusive means of recovery for individuals who suffer an injury at sea. People like passengers on ferries and cruise ships, who do not qualify for seaman status under the Jones Act, must resort to general maritime law for relief. Although there is no statutory basis for general maritime law claims, many of these claims give vessel passengers the right to recover damages for their injuries under common law theories of liability.