BROUSSARD, DAVID & MOROUX | JUSTICE. OBTAINED.
The Fourth of July is one of the most dangerous days of the year for boating accidents.
At Broussard, David & Moroux, we know how quickly a holiday on the water can turn tragic. As dedicated catastrophic injury attorneys, here are a few ways you can enjoy your Independence Day safely.
Back in the spring of 2022, our client was driving down Moss Street in Lafayette Parish when another driver blew through a stop sign, crashing into his car.
Our client, a military veteran and dedicated family man, began to experience persistent neck and back pain just two weeks after the crash. He started physical therapy, hopeful it would provide relief. When it didn’t, he underwent a cervical epidural injection. Still, the pain didn’t let up. Eventually, doctors performed a two-level cervical fusion, which was an invasive procedure aimed at easing his suffering. His physician warned that another surgery might be necessary down the road.
Attorney Jerome H. Moroux stepped in to represent this veteran, who, despite living with chronic pain, continued working to support his family.
In the summer of 2018, our clients were among a five-man crew in a work basket positioned 100ft above a high-pressure gas well. The crew were involved in a snubbing operation when a catastrophic failure occurred, causing the well to blow out. With no safe means of egress, our clients remained engulfed in the high-pressure fumes for several minutes before finally managing to reach the crane basket to escape.
Severe Injuries from Oil & Gas Industry Accident
The injuries sustained by our clients were life-altering and required extensive medical treatment:
A person can suffer injuries just about anywhere. However, where those injuries occur and the relationship with the location can affect a person’s ability to recover. For example, a person who is injured while working at their place of employment may be limited under the Worker’s Compensation Act. The same is true for a person who is injured on the high seas.
When a seaman suffers personal injury or death while on a vessel, the Jones Act provides an expansive remedy for him. The Act mandates that “any seaman who shall suffer personal injury in the court of his employment may, at his election, maintain an action for damages at law.” However, coverage under the Jones Act is dependent on one thing: whether or not the employee constitutes as a “seaman.” Nowhere in the Act itself does it define who qualifies as a “seaman,” so how do you known whether you are qualified under this Act?
A person trying to avail himself under the Jones Act must show: (1) the employees duties contribute to the function of the vessel or to the accomplishment of its mission; and (2) there is a connection to a vessel in navigation that is substantial in terms of both duration and its nature.
The 2024 amendments to Louisiana’s direct action statute, La. R.S. 22:1269, have brought significant changes for those pursuing catastrophic injury claims. If you’re dealing with a catastrophic injury case, it’s crucial to understand how these changes might affect your legal options.
What’s Changed in Direct Action Laws for Catastrophic Injury Claims?
The 2024 amendments significantly change when and how you can sue an insurance company directly after a catastrophic injury. Here’s a breakdown of the most important updates:
At the Louisiana State Bar Association’s (LSBA) annual Louisiana Young Lawyer Conference, Reed Ellis was honored as a 2024 Top Young Lawyer.
This prestigious award recognizes outstanding young attorneys across the state who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the legal profession and their communities. The LSBA Young Lawyers Division selects recipients based on professional achievements, leadership, community involvement, contributions to bar associations and the legal field, and a demonstrated commitment to character, professionalism, and ethics.
“It is such an honor to be nominated and chosen among the accomplished young professionals in Louisiana’s legal community,” said Reed. “I’m proud to represent Broussard, David & Moroux at the state level and am incredibly grateful for the mentors who have supported me throughout my career. I look forward to paying it forward as we continue to grow and evolve as a firm.”
Broussard, David & Moroux, catastrophic injury firm, is proud to announce five of their attorneys have been selected to the 2025 Louisiana Super Lawyers list. Notably, Blake R. David, a long-time honoree on Super Lawyers’ list of the Top 50 Attorneys in Louisiana, has reached a new milestone this year by earning a spot among the Top 10 Attorneys in the state.
Super Lawyers is a prestigious list that recognizes no more than five percent of attorneys in the state. We are pleased to share that Richard Broussard (19 years), Blake David (12 years), Jerome Moroux (5 years), Rachael Catalanotto (3 years) and Emily Borgen have earned this esteemed distinction. A special congratulations to Emily for being recognized for the first time this year.
Super Lawyers, a research-driven, peer-influenced rating service from Thomson Reuters, honors outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorneys are selected from over 70 practice areas and all firm sizes, ensuring a credible and relevant annual list. The Super Lawyers process aims to create a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys, serving as a trusted resource for both referring attorneys and consumers seeking legal counsel.
“The same way boudin made in Texas and brisket smoked in Louisiana stand out against their native counterparts, so do attorneys who don’t have experience in both Texas and Louisiana when they try to handle cases that have issues stretching across both jurisdictions.” Says Hayden. “Its common for cases in Texas to involve Louisiana plaintiffs, defendants, and medical providers, and vice versa. But when the two states intersect, dozens of issues come up that require careful navigation. So it is always best to get an attorney experienced in both Texas and Louisiana personal injury practice to maximize value to the client.”
Hayden’s presentation underscored the importance of understanding not only the procedural differences between Texas and Louisiana law but also the nuanced legal cultures in each state. Attorneys must be well-versed in both systems to ensure the best possible outcome for clients.
Initially, our client was placed at fault for the accident and cited by the local investigating law enforcement agency. The defense argued that Louisiana’s emergency vehicle statute (LSA-R.S. 32:24(D) applied, protecting the fire department from liability due to the emergency response. However, our team of attorneys on the Northshore worked quickly to uncover the facts and fight for her rights.
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