Articles Posted in Random Miscellaneous

office_chair_meeting_room-scaledWhen you think about sexual harassment claims, the first thing that likely comes to mind is a superior harassing another employee. However, what happens if the superior instructs another employee to date a prospective client? 

Tyanne Davenport was hired to be the administrator at an Edward Jones Office. On multiple occasions, the office owner insulted, shouted at, and used profanity to describe Davenport. The owner’s comments eventually became sexual in nature. When the owner learned a wealthy prospective client wanted to date Davenport, the owner told Davenport to date the prospective client to receive a big bonus. Davenport said she already had a boyfriend and was not interested in dating the prospective client. The owner told her this about three additional times within the next month. One of the financial advisors made a comment about Davenport sending the prospective client some nude photos, which embarrassed and offended Davenport. Davenport never dated the prospective client. 

Davenport reported the incident with the comment about nude photos to the district manager, who forwarded the complaint to an associate relations representative. Davenport filed a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”). Although she referenced the incident involving comments about nude photos, she did not reference the manager’s offers to pay her a big bonus if she dated the prospective client. Over the next few months, Davenport met with a therapist who advised the company Davenport should not go back to the same office because of trauma from the incidents. She requested a transfer to another office, which was denied. Davenport eventually resigned. 

worker_inspects_construction-scaledGetting terminated from a job is always a stressful situation. You are likely concerned about how you are going to make ends meet. This is even more true if you believe your former employer has not paid you all the wages you are entitled to. 

Rick Calamia worked for Core Lab for under a year. He was terminated from his job. He claimed he was owed various unpaid wages, which Core Lab denied. Calamia filed a lawsuit against Core Lab under La. R.S. 23:631 for his purportedly unpaid wages and associated penalties, fees, and costs. Calamia claimed he was owed $1,808.16 for 73.8 hours of work, consisting of 7 hours of time entry pay, 16 hours of holiday pay, 49 hours of PTO, and 3.34 hours of Extended Illness Break hours, as well as 90 days of penalty wages. 

Core Lab argued Calamia had been paid everything to which he was entitled. One of the witnesses at trial was Cerly Watson, Core Lab’s payroll manager. She testified about the payroll procedure at Core Lab, including the two-week lag between when an employee submits a timecard and when it is reconciled on a pay statement. She testified about Calamia’s pay statements that were at issue in the lawsuit and explained how the discrepancies were later reconciled. At trial, the court ruled in favor of Core Lab and found Calamia was not entitled to additional wages. Calamia appealed.

prison_jail_cell_cell_0-scaledPrisoners, like all individuals, retain their constitutional rights even while incarcerated. However, proving a violation of these rights within the prison system can be challenging, as demonstrated in the following case. This case considers what a prisoner must show to succeed in a lawsuit against a prison supervisor alleging a constitutional violation.

Kyle Smith Hauenstein was imprisoned at Rapides Parish Detention Center -1 (“RPDC-1”). He filed a lawsuit against the Rapides Parish Sheriff, William Hilton, and the Assistant Warden, Pat Ashley. He alleged Hilton and Ashley violated 42 U.S.C. § 1983 by delaying providing him adequate medical treatment after his right foot developed an infection. He claimed they were “deliberately indifferent” to his serious medical needs. 

Sheriff Hilton filed a summary judgment motion, arguing qualified immunity prohibited the Section 1983 claims from being brought against him in his individual capacity. The trial court denied Sheriff Hilton’s summary judgment motion, finding qualified immunity did not prohibit Hauenstein from bringing the Section 1983 claims against Hilton in his individual capacity. Hilton appealed. 

ducks_duck_duckling_bird-scaledEven celebrities must deal with the often mundane task of negotiating and signing contracts. Although it can be tempting to sign a contract without reading it in depth or consulting with a lawyer, this case illustrates the importance of understanding every term and condition of a contract because of the complexities that can arise if there are ambiguous terms. 

Duck Commander Inc. is owned by the Robertson family, who starred in the reality TV show Duck Dynasty. Initially, they made and sold duck calls and other related equipment. However, they ventured into the beverage industry partly because one of the family members, Si Robertson, liked iced tea. Subsequently, Chinook USA (a company that manufactures bottles and sells ready-to-drink beverages) and Duck Commander entered into a Licensing Agreement where Chinook would distribute Duck Commander branded iced tea.

After Duck Commander signed the agreement with Chinook, Duck Commander signed two other contracts involving beverage sales. The first contract was with Go-Time Energy, where Go-Time Energy had the three-year exclusive right to manufacture, license, and sell Duck Commander-branded energy shots. Duck Commander also agreed with Checkered Flag to sell Duck Commander-branded vitamin water.

prison_robben_island_south-scaledThe burden of proof lies heavily on claimants to establish the elements of the claim they bring forward. Failing to do so can result in the dismissal of the charge. In the case of George Preston, a prisoner in a Louisiana jail, his complaint against Lieutenant Hicks and four state correctional officers for excessive use of force highlights the importance of meeting the requirements to substantiate a claim. Analyzing the alleged violation of Preston’s Eighth Amendment rights, the court carefully considered the evidence and ultimately decided to dismiss some claims while allowing others to proceed.

George Preston, a prisoner in a Louisiana jail, filed a complaint against Lieutenant Hicks and four state correctional officers for excessive use of force, violating his Eighth Amendment rights. The incident occurred when an officer opened an inmate’s cell. When the door opened, Preston rushed in and allegedly tried to hit the prisoner. The Sergeant on duty called for help from Lieutenant Bowie, Lieutenant Hicks, Sergeant Dauzat, and Sergeant Augustine. The officers then worked together to restrain Preston. 

Preston claimed Lieutenant Hicks knocked him to the floor and elbowed him repeatedly in his face. While on the floor, Sergeant Augustine pinned his left arm behind him while Lieutenant Hicks pulled and twisted his right arm. Preston alleged Hick’s actions caused his shoulder to dislocate. Preston claimed he only entered the cell as a joke and that the officer retaliated excessively. 

time_clock_movement_motion-1-scaledTiming. We all know it’s important, but how important is it in the legal field? Properly filing documents, adhering to deadlines, and raising legal issues within specific timeframes can significantly impact the outcome of a case. In the following case, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal looks to the issue of timeliness in the legal field and whether the cause of actions has matured enough to be “ripe” for judicial determination. 

Bayou Orthotic and Prosthetics Center, L.L.C. (“Bayou”) owned and operated a medical business that provides medical prostheses and relative equipment. In 2016, Leroy Davis needed an above-the-knee prosthetic from a prior accident, which Bayou provided. Morris Bart was representing Davis for his injuries and asked Bayou for medical treatment, providing that he would protect Bayou’s medical charges for around $29,000. Bayou treated Davis for almost ten years, racking up expenses to around $126,000. 

Bart never paid, and Bayou sued. Bart filed an exception of prematurity because the commitment to pay Bayou depended on a suspensive condition – if the payment to Bart of settlement proceeds. This did not happen. Bayou disagreed and believed the agreement was based on a term, not a suspensive condition, and therefore, the payment from Bart had to have been paid within a reasonable period. 

prison_prison_window_window-scaledWhen a prison official fails to provide necessary medical care to an inmate, legal action may be pursued against the individual. However, claiming deliberate indifference to an inmate’s serious medical needs requires meeting specific criteria. As exemplified by the case below, these factors are crucial in preventing individuals from bringing frivolous claims against government officials, ensuring that legitimate cases receive the attention they deserve.

In this case, Gregory Bailey, a Louisiana prisoner, filed a lawsuit against several defendants, including East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, the prison warden, the 19th Judicial District Court for East Baton Rouge Parish, a judge, and Dr. Vincent Leggio, alleging acts of deliberate indifference to his serious medical needs. The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana dismissed Bailey’s claims, stating a failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6) and summary judgment under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56(a). This appeal to the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal follows. 

In his appeal, Bailey moved to progress in forma pauperis, thereby challenging the District Court’s decision that his appeal was not accepted in good faith. The Court of Appeal then reviewed Bailey’s good faith claims regarding whether his legal points were substantiated on their merits and not frivolous. See Howard v. King

number_three_three_wood-scaledNavigating the intricacies of civil litigation requires strict adherence to procedural rules, as the failure to meet deadlines or follow the correct timeline can result in serious consequences for plaintiffs seeking justice. In the case of Michael Neal Rollins, an inmate who filed a lawsuit against the State of Louisiana, Louis Ackal, Sheriff of Iberia Parish, and the Corrections Corporation of America, the impact of missed deadlines and abandoned filings became evident. Rollins alleged physical abuse during his transportation back to the Iberia Parish Jail, but his case was ultimately dismissed due to abandonment. This instance highlights the critical importance of timely and diligent filings within the legal system, emphasizing the need for plaintiffs to navigate the complex procedural landscape to have their claims heard.

Rollins filed a lawsuit against the State of Louisiana, Louis Ackal, Sheriff of Iberia Parish, and the Corrections Corporation of America. Rollins was an inmate incarcerated at the Iberia Parish Jail in New Iberia. In 2008, Rollins was returned to the Iberia Parish Jail from prison in Winn Parish, having been evacuated there during Hurricane Gustav. After his subsequent release, Rollins filed his suit against the State of Louisiana in 2009 for injuries he suffered while transporting back to the Iberia Parish Jail from Winn Parish. Rollins alleged that officers physically abused him on the bus and in the Iberia Parish Jail parking lot.  

Over seven years later, in 2017, the State of Louisiana filed a Motion to Dismiss the suit on the grounds of abandonment. The state claimed that there had been no filings or steps taken to proceed with the case since 2014. The plaintiff filed a counter-motion, alleging that it had filed a motion requesting discovery materials from the defense. The defendants argued that one of the defendants, Sheriff Louis Ackal, never received these requests. The district court ruled in favor of the defense, stating that failure to serve the request to all the defendants negates it as a step in prosecuting the action. Thus the district court dismissed the case in its decision, from which the plaintiff appealed.

manzanar_relocation_center_manzanar_445-scaledBeing injured at work is never what you want to deal with. What’s worse is dealing with multiple independent medical examiners making opinions on your medical state. In the following case, the Louisiana Court of Appeal First Circuit addresses whether a medical examiner’s determination of maximum medical improvement is closely related to the worker’s condition and ability to work.

Ella Hamilton injured her neck and shoulders while moving trash bags into a dumpster while working as a custodian for GCA Services. Hamilton filed a workers’ compensation claim, and GCA Services paid indemnity and medical benefits to and on behalf of Hamilton in connection with her workers’ compensation claim. A dispute arose between the doctors that reviewed Hamilton’s alleged injuries and whether or not he could return to work.

Dr. Charles Bowie, a neurosurgeon, diagnosed Hamilton with a cervical disc disorder and opined that she required cervical fusion surgery. He believed her injuries prevented her from working. On the other hand, Dr. David Ferachi, an orthopedic surgeon representing GCA Services, agreed with Dr. Bowie but stated that Hamilton could return to work as a custodian with certain limitations.

car_divorce_netherlands_joke-scaledDivorce can be tumultuous, marked by significant stress and numerous life changes. Amidst the emotional and practical adjustments, it is crucial not to overlook a critical task: updating the beneficiary of your life insurance policy. In Claiborne Parish, a compelling case serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the paramount importance of understanding and verifying your designated beneficiary on all insurance plans. The story unravels the unsettling reality that the proceeds from your life insurance policy may not end up in the hands of the intended recipient.

In this case, Hillie Patrick Cox took out a whole-life insurance policy with Southern Farm Bureau, where he listed his mother, Ruby G. Cox, as a beneficiary. Later, he amended the beneficiary to list his wife, Connie Gonzales Cox. Seven years later, however, Hillie and Connie obtained a divorce judgment. Hillie then died approximately 14 years later without executing another change of beneficiary form.  

Southern Farm Bureau subsequently filed a petition for concursus in the 2nd Judicial District Court for the Parish of Claiborne, claiming that a judgment of possession awarded Ruby usufruct over the entire estate and recognized Debra Cox Diffey, Hillie’s sister as the sole surviving heir. As a result of the judgment, Ruby, Debra, and Connie all presented claims for the insurance proceeds. 

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