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
The Building Blocks of Justice: How Louisiana Laws Are Made Louisiana’s legal system is unique, drawing heavily from its Civil Code tradition. Unlike many other states that primarily rely on ‘common law’ (judge-made law), our system is rooted in comprehensive written statutes. But where do these rules come from, and how do we interpret them?
Legal Newsline’s Louisiana Record recently featured the Berniard Law Firm for filing a class action lawsuit on behalf of more than 100 Roseland residents affected by the Smitty’s Supply chemical plant explosion and fire in Tangipahoa Parish Legal Newsline. The firm’s complaint alleges that class members suffered a range of injuries—including headaches, respiratory problems, skin
Attorney Jeff Berniard, founder of the Berniard Law Firm, was recently featured on WGNO News for his leadership in filing a class action lawsuit on behalf of families affected by the Smitty’s Supply explosion and fire in Tangipahoa Parish. Watch the full news story here. Berniard was asked to provide his perspective on the lawsuit
This case focuses on the procedural aspects of a personal injury lawsuit, highlighting the importance of deadlines and the consequences of missing them. Case Background Charles and Jeri Kouba sued the City of Natchitoches after Mr. Kouba fell on a staircase owned by the city. They alleged a defect in the staircase caused his injuries.
The following case revolves around the intersection of farming and infrastructure development, and the legal implications when construction activities impact agricultural land. Case Background Lanie Farms, a sugarcane and soybean farming operation, sued CLECO Power and its contractor, Highlines, for damages caused during the construction of new power lines across the farmland. Lanie Farms claimed
The following case deals with a common scenario: a guest gets injured at a business and sues, alleging negligence. But the legal outcome hinges on a crucial factor – whether the business owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition that caused the injury. Case Summary Melanie Mark was injured when a wooden
Is a Franchisor Liable for the Criminal Acts of a Third Party?
statute of limitations. Micken appealed, arguing that the substitution of defendants should relate back to the original filing date, making her lawsuit timely. The Court of Appeal, however, upheld the trial court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of naming the correct parties within the prescribed time frame. Key Takeaways: This case serves as a stark reminder
Unilateral Signature On Contract To Buy Real Estate Invalid
Jeffrey Berniard is a specialized injury attorney with over 21 years of experience fighting for Louisiana families.