A massive explosion at the Chalmette Refining LLC facility has sent shockwaves through St. Bernard Parish. As local authorities and fire crews work to contain the blaze and monitor air quality, residents are left with urgent questions about their safety and their rights. At the Berniard Law Firm, we are officially opening an investigation into
In a decision that has sent shockwaves through both the energy industry and environmental legal circles, the Supreme Court of the United States has fundamentally altered the landscape of climate and coastal litigation. On April 17, 2026, the Court ruled in Chevron USA Inc. v. Plaquemines Parish, reversing a lower court and moving a massive
Did the Son Have the Right to Lend Dad the Company Truck? and When Accidents Happen: The Limits of a Homeowner’s Liability for a Child’s Injury
Understanding When Louisiana Laws Apply: A Guide to Prospective and Retroactive Effects Imagine you’re involved in a legal matter, and the legislature passes a new law. Does it affect your situation? Or does it only apply moving forward? The timing of when a law takes effect — and whether it applies to past events —
Tragic Accident: A Bow Hunter’s Unfortunate Demise and the Legal Battle That Followed
The Unforeseen Gaps: Why Laws Can’t Cover Everything Imagine Louisiana’s laws as a vast, detailed tapestry woven to guide every aspect of daily life. Even so, no legal system — no matter how comprehensive — can anticipate every possible situation. So, what happens when a dispute arises in court, and no written statute or established
Have you ever read a law and wondered what it truly means? Or found yourself facing a situation where a rule seemed to apply — but its exact implications were unclear? In Louisiana, our legal system is based on the civil law tradition, meaning that interpretation depends heavily on the Louisiana Civil Code. Understanding how
Absence of Legislation or Custom — Understanding Civil Code Article 4
Video Surveillance Clears Dollar General: No Liability Without Proof of a Hazard
The Advocate recently recognized Attorney Jeff Berniard and the Berniard Law Firm for their role in representing families displaced by the Smitty’s Supply explosion and fire in Tangipahoa Parish. Read the full Advocate article here. The feature highlights Berniard’s track record of success in large-scale litigation. Over his career, he has served as class counsel
Jeffrey Berniard is a specialized injury attorney with over 21 years of experience fighting for Louisiana families.