Louisiana has a Direct Action Statute that allows injured third parties to sue an insurance company directly when the insurance company’s insured causes an injury. For example, if you are involved an automobile accident where you are not at fault, you can sue the at-fault driver’s insurance company directly instead of suing the at-fault driver themselves. The Direct
A case appealed from the Parish of Claiborne, arising from an incident in Homer, Louisiana, raises a couple of important issues regarding lawsuits against insurance providers. In this case, the plaintiff was a passenger in a car that met the defendant, driving her own car, at an intersection. The plaintiff and the defendant were already
Licensed attorneys in New Orleans were asked which attorney they would recommend to residents in the New Orleans area. Attorney Jeffrey Berniard, of the New Orleans-based Berniard Law Firm, LLC, was named one of the best mass litigation and class action attorneys in New Orleans in the November 2012 issue of the magazine. Propelled into
As a Louisiana law firm, our practice takes great pride and enjoyment from Fat Tuesday and all of the history that follows. For all of our readers in the New Orleans area, have a safe and happy holiday. Postings will resume shortly. In the meantime, laissez les bon temps rouler!
Settlements are an important part of the legal process. They save time, money, allow the parties to negotiate their own terms, and, above all, they keep the parties from having to go to court to litigate their claims. In the case of settling with insurance companies, the companies like to avoid court because it not
Recently, in the State of Louisiana Court of Appeal for the Third Circuit, a case was decided that effectively laid out the requirements of a settlement agreement. These requirements are especially important because many cases are settled before they get to court. In fact, settlement is often preferable because it saves a significant amount of
A summary judgment is rendered when a trial court decides that there are no genuine issues of material fact that need to be determined. “Manifestly erroneous” is the high standard under which summary judgments are reversed on appeal. Summary judgments are cheaper and less time consuming than full blown trials; they are a means toward
On behalf of the Berniard Law Firm, we hope that all of our friends and followers have had a relaxing and restful holiday. Posting will resume on Tuesday
The Berniard Law Firm would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday. Regular posting will resume in 2012! Have a happy, and SAFE, holiday season!
Previously on our network of blogs, we have discussed uninsured/underinsured motorist (“UM”) coverage in auto policies. The statutory requirement for UM insurance “embodies a strong public policy to give full recovery for automobile accident victims.” Duncan v. U.S.A.A. Insurance Co. So strong is this public policy preference, in fact, that “the requirement of UM coverage
Jeffrey Berniard is a specialized injury attorney with over 21 years of experience fighting for Louisiana families.