The Collateral Source Rule is a common issue in almost every personal injury case, but its application can vary significantly from state-to-state. At its core, the rule is intended to ensure that the party responsible for the harm (the tortfeasor) is held fully accountable for the injuries they caused – and that they do not
Workers’ compensation is a critical safety net for both employees and businesses. In Louisiana, navigating a claim for noise-induced hearing loss can be a complex process. For employers, understanding the legal landscape is essential to ensure compliance, reducing exposure, raising appropriate defenses, and avoid penalties. Below is a general guide to handling and defending workers’ compensation
Some states, such as Louisiana, have restrictive statutes against contracting for defense and indemnity provisions. Under federal maritime law, however, these defense and indemnity provisions may be permitted. This distinction creates frequent tension in offshore injury lawsuits between the application of the bordering state law (which may prohibit defense and indemnity provisions) and the application
In offshore operations, whether a contract is deemed “maritime” has major consequences. The classification determines the application of either federal maritime law or state law, along with its oilfield or construction anti-indemnity statutes for states such as Texas or Louisiana. The difference often decides whether the defense, indemnity, and insurance-related obligations in the contract survive
Since 1968, Louisiana law has recognized nonprofit corporations as a distinct business entity, providing organizations with a structured legal framework to pursue charitable, religious, educational, and other nonprofit purposes while benefiting from important legal and financial advantages. In 2015, Louisiana enacted the current Louisiana Nonprofit Corporation Act (the “Louisiana Nonprofit Act”),[1] which modernized governance,
Within the last year, the legal industry has witnessed a surge in AI-based programs designed to improve workflow, legal research, and legal drafting, such as Westlaw Co-counsel. AI technology, although new, offers significant benefits for helping attorneys enhance their workflow. However, it is not a substitute for an attorney’s legal knowledge, skill, and independent judgment.
In February of 2020, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company wrote to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) requesting guidance on whether the Jones Act would work to protect their interests with regard to ongoing offshore wind construction efforts being undertaken off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. Specifically, they wanted to know whether the
On April 13, 2021, the SEACOR Power, a 234-foot lift boat, encountered a powerful thunderstorm after departing Port Fourchon, Louisiana. The localized severe weather event produced heavy rain, 2- to 4-foot seas, and winds in excess of 80 knots. As the crew of the SEACOR Power attempted to lower the vessel’s legs to the sea floor
In maritime law, the “Act of God” defense – also known as force majeure – was once a reliable shield for operators facing liability after a natural disaster. If a storm, hurricane, or earthquake caused damage that no human skill could have prevented, the party could, in theory, escape legal responsibility. But in practice –
On July 16, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard’s final rule to update cybersecurity requirements for U.S.-flagged vessels, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) facilities, and facilities subject Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2022 (MTSA) begins to take effect. The final rule is codified at 33 C.F.R. § 101.600 et seq (“Rule”). In addition to other security regulations