Louisiana Lawyer Blog

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.

Drug Company To Pay $3 Billion in Fraud Settlement

July 26, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

GlaxoSmithKline will pay $3 billion dollars, the biggest single settlement of health fraud in U.S. history, for the unlawful marketing of two drugs and failing to provide necessary information to the Food and Drug Administration.

The drug company admitted to falsely representing that certain drugs, such as Paxil and Wellbutrin, were approved to treat issues beyond the drugs’ FDA approval. A United States attorney called the settlement “unprecedented in both size and scope.”

Broussard, David & Moroux represents clients who are injured by dangerous drugs. Our attorneys have experience taking on large corporations and fighting for the rights of injured consumers. An experienced lawyer can analyze the facts and circumstances surrounding your case and determine whether you have a successful claim against a pharmaceutical company. Products liability law provides theories for recovery in pharmaceutical litigation. In a typical lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company, an injured group of consumers intends to hold a negligent manufacturer legally responsible for their common injuries caused by their dangerous drug.

Louisiana Legislature Toughens Rules For Teen Drivers

July 19, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Louisiana’s first-time drivers will now be legally required to undergo more classroom and behind-the-wheel training. State lawmakers passed this legislation last session with little opposition.

The new rules require 30 hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of behind-the-wheel instruction for 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds. In addition, 18-year-olds must undertake six hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of behind-the-wheel training. Lawmakers believe the legislation will make roads safer and lower insurance rates across the state.

Car accidents continue to be the leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States. Last year, car accidents claimed the lives of almost 6,000 teens. Statistics show that teens are more likely to speed, use cell phones and succumb to distractions inside and outside the vehicle.

Traumatic Brain Injury Study Released

July 12, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A study released by the University of Oklahoma indicates that the symptoms of traumatic brain injury can persist for years. The study followed over 500 veterans who suffered from post-concussion syndrome. Their research found that almost half of the veterans’ symptoms did not improve until eight years after the injury.

Post-concussion syndrome is a disorder that follows a blunt impact to the head or brain. The symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression, anxiety, insomnia, memory loss and sensitivity to light and noise. For years, doctors have believed that these symptoms were only temporary.

Iberia Parish Plane Crash; Pilot Survives

July 5, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A single-engine plane crashed in Iberia parish, injuring the pilot. No other passengers were on board. According to witnesses, the plane crashed while the pilot was practicing landings and takeoffs in an open field. Authorities suspect the pilot collided with a power line.

In the past 10 years, there has been a 20 percent increase in private plane crashes in the U.S. Industry studies suggest that the cause of these accidents include pilot error, inadequate training, overloading planes, relaxed maintenance standards and sudden changes in weather. Mechanical failure is also more common in private planes than commercial aircrafts.

Boat Crash Kills One; Intoxication Suspected Cause

June 28, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Authorities arrested a boater after his fishing boat crashed into a pontoon boat, tragically killing a 9-year-old boy, injuring three others and leaving one teen missing. Authorities allege the man was intoxicated at the time of the collision. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources charged the man with boating under the influence of alcohol.

Studies suggest alcohol contributes to 34 percent of fatal boat accidents each year. Louisiana’s vehicular homicide penal statute applies to both motor vehicles and watercrafts. State law further carries strict criminal penalties for people who boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including hefty fines, driver’s license suspension and imprisonment.

Baton Rouge Benzene Spill Worse than Projected

June 21, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

ExxonMobil estimates that it accidentally released 28,700 pounds of naphtha at its Baton Rouge site June 14. Naptha contains the hazardous chemical benzene, a carcinogen recognized by the EPA. When ExxonMobil first reported the release to the state Department of Environmental Quality last week, it only reported a 10-pound spill.

Benzene is a hazardous, colorless liquid chemical that is quickly absorbed by the air. Benzene is an ingredient in gasoline, crude oil and cigarette smoke. Short-term inhalation can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, convulsions and unconsciousness. Long-term inhalation or ingestion can lead to blood disorders and certain cancers.

Mississippi Factory Explosion Raises Questions about Plant Safety

June 14, 2012 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A steam explosion at a fertilizer factory in Pascagoula, Mississippi last week tragically killed one worker and left two other workers injured. Authorities continue to search for the cause of the accident. This accident marks the second fatal explosion at a plant in this area in a two-week-period.

Factories, chemical plants and refineries pose unique dangers to workers. Because these jobs often involve complex machinery and dangerous chemicals, workplace safety should be an employer’s utmost priority. A workplace explosion or fire can lead to the loss of limbs, back injuries, life-changing burns or death. A serious injury can dramatically affect a worker’s ability to earn a living.