Insurance Dispute Lawyer Blog
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 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 and lead counsel in numerous high-profile cases, including lawsuits involving chemical leaks, defective products, insurance bad faith practices, and environmental disasters.
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 settled on homes, vehicles, and property—leaving long-term damage and raising serious questions about insurance coverage.
The 
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 
In the realm of insurance claims and legal disputes, the concept of subrogation often plays a crucial role. Subrogation allows an insurer, after paying a claim to its insured, to step into the insured’s shoes and seek reimbursement from the party responsible for the loss. But what happens when the insured settles their claim directly with the at-fault party? Does the insurer lose its right to subrogation? A recent Louisiana Court of Appeals case, 
A picturesque pond, once teeming with life, transformed into a murky, foul-smelling mess. The culprit? Alleged sewage contamination from a neighboring apartment complex. This is the story of Cedar Lodge Plantation’s battle against Fairway View Apartments in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a legal fight that highlights the complexities of environmental disputes and property damage claims.
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 
In a victory for consumer rights, the 
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, Elemuel Coleman.