Mass Tort & Complex Litigation Attorneys in Louisiana

When a corporation’s negligence impacts hundreds or thousands of lives, individual victims need a powerhouse voice to level the playing field. Mass tort and class action litigation are among the most complex areas of law, requiring a firm with the resources and reputation to take on the world’s largest companies. Jeffrey Berniard is a recognized leader in this arena, frequently honored by the courts with appointments as Lead Counsel—a prestigious designation reserved for a select few attorneys chosen to direct litigation on behalf of all members.

As Louisiana moves into the 2025 and 2026 legal landscape, the burden of proof for toxic exposure and product liability has shifted. With the repeal of the Housley Presumption, it is no longer enough to show you were ‘near’ a hazard; you must now provide affirmative, expert-backed medical evidence to link your condition to the defendant’s actions. Whether it is Silicosis claims, Mesothelioma litigation, or large-scale industrial disasters, the Berniard Law Firm combines a 14-year streak of Super Lawyer recognition with an AV Preeminent® rating to ensure your rights are protected in the national pursuit of justice.

Strength in Numbers. Justice for All.

When corporations put profits over safety, they don’t just hurt one person—they often hurt thousands. Mass Torts are complex legal battles involving numerous plaintiffs who have all been harmed by the same defendant, typically due to a mass disaster, a defective drug, or a dangerous product.

These cases are not standard personal injury claims. They require a law firm with the financial resources, logistical capability, and legal expertise to fight multinational corporations in state and federal courts.

The Berniard Law Firm has extensive experience leading the charge in the world of mass tort litigation. From the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to defective medical devices and industrial accidents, we have been at the forefront of complex litigation in Louisiana.

A Recognized Leader in Complex Litigation

Our lead attorney, Jeffrey P. Berniard, is recognized as a leader in the field of mass torts. His expertise is not just acknowledged by his clients, but by his peers and the national media.

• National Media: Mr. Berniard has been quoted in numerous publications regarding mass tort matters and has appeared as an expert guest on the Neil Cavuto Fox News program.
• Educating the Profession: He has taught continuing legal education (CLE) courses to other attorneys on high-profile subjects such as the DePuy Hip Recall, Chinese Drywall litigation, and the BP Oil Spill.

Proven Results in High-Profile Cases

We don’t just participate in mass torts; we lead them. Jeffrey P. Berniard has been appointed as Lead Counsel or to the Executive Committee in multiple significant cases, helping thousands of claimants recover millions of dollars.

Hurricane Katrina & Insurance Litigation
Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the Berniard Law Firm became a pillar for policyholders. Mr. Berniard served as one of the lead counsel in a major Bad Faith Insurance Class Action representing over 75,000 claimants. Through his aggressive representation, the case successfully settled for $20 million.

Environmental & Toxic Torts

• Dow Chemical Release: In Sheila Guidry et al. vs. The Dow Chemical Company, Mr. Berniard was named one of four lead counsel representing potentially several hundred thousand claimants alleging health damages from an ethyl acrylate release.
• Catalyst Ash Damage: In Chalona et al. , he was appointed lead counsel to prosecute property damage claims for homeowners whose houses were damaged by released catalyst ash.
• BP Oil Spill: Mr. Berniard has helped many clients secure millions of dollars in compensation for economic damages resulting from the Deepwater Horizon spill.

Defective Products & Medical Devices

• Chinese Drywall: In Wiltz et al. vs. Knauf Gips KG, Mr. Berniard helped clients secure significant funds to repair homes ravaged by defective imported drywall.
• DePuy Hip Implants: In Virgil Lewis vs. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., he successfully helped clients recover significant compensation for injuries caused by defective hip implants.

Consumer Protection & Anti-Trust
Mr. Berniard fights for consumer rights against powerful monopolies. He served as one of only two lead counsel in Gerald Paul Bodet et al. vs. Charter Communications, pursuing anti-trust allegations against cable giants. He continues this fight as a member of the executive committee in Henry Holmes et al. vs. Cox Communications, having committed thousands of hours and significant financial resources to the cause.

Do You Have a Mass Tort Claim?

If you have been harmed by a defective product, a pharmaceutical drug, or an environmental disaster, you are likely not alone. Joining a mass tort litigation can level the playing field, giving you the power to hold even the largest companies accountable.

Contact the Berniard Law Firm today. We have the experience, the resources, and the track record to handle your complex litigation needs.