The Advocate recognized attorney Jeff Berniard for representing families impacted by the Smitty’s Supply chemical plant explosion and fire. 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…
When the Smitty’s Supply facility erupted in flames on August 22, 2025, residents within a one-mile radius were ordered to evacuate. Families were forced from their homes, many for several days, unsure of when it would be safe to return. In the aftermath, thick soot, oily residue, and chemical contamination…
The Smitty’s Supply plant explosion and fire in Roseland, Louisiana on August 22, 2025 has left the Tangipahoa Parish community shaken. Families were forced to evacuate, businesses were disrupted, and questions remain about the long-term impact of the disaster. While officials report that the fire is largely contained, many residents…
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…
A tragic accident involving a young boy with autism has raised questions about the legal responsibility of homeowners when someone is injured on their property. The case of Justin Stollenwerck v. Robert Schweggman, Jr., et al. explores the boundaries of a homeowner’s duty of care, especially when the injured party…
Filing a medical malpractice claim in Louisiana involves navigating a complex process, including meeting strict deadlines. One crucial step is timely paying the filing fee to the Patient’s Compensation Fund Oversight Board (PCF Board). But does the “mailbox rule” apply to these payments? A recent Louisiana Court of Appeal case,…
In the depths of the Gulf of Mexico, a seemingly minor incident set off a chain of legal events that reverberated through the maritime industry. An underwater sonar device, or towfish, collided with the mooring line of a Shell Offshore drilling rig, causing significant damage. The resulting legal battle involved…
In a victory for consumer rights, the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal recently overturned a trial court’s decision to dismiss a redhibition claim against Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA). The case, Philip A. Franco v. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, involved a defective airbag and highlights the interplay between safety recalls and Louisiana’s…
In a recent ruling highlighting the importance of responding to legal actions, the Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit, sided with Xavier University of Louisiana in a case involving unpaid student debt. The court reversed a lower court’s decision, granting Xavier University a preliminary default judgment against a former student,…
In a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of attorney negligence, the Louisiana Court of Appeal recently upheld a substantial $200,000 legal malpractice award to four siblings who tragically lost their brother due to their former attorneys’ alleged mishandling of a wrongful death lawsuit. This case highlights the importance of competent…