Compassion + Persistence
While on his way to a casino, defendant failed to notice signs indicating his intended exit was closed. Not being able to exit the interstate, defendant decided to make an illegal turn through the median of the interstate in an area intended for “authorized vehicles only.”
The Defendant slowed his vehicle abruptly in the left-hand lane of travel in an attempt to enter the turn-through, resulting in plaintiff rear ending the tire truck as it was beginning its turn. Vicarious liability and independent negligence claims were made against defendant.
It was alleged the defendant’s vehicle was defective. The trial court entered a default judgment against Defendants on Plaintiffs’ liability claims and struck Defendants’ defenses due to spoliation and discovery abuse.
Plaintiff’s spinal cord was severed at the T2-T3 level. Plaintiff also suffered a severe brain injury and numerous other injuries including numerous fractures to his extremities and back. Plaintiff requires 24-hour attendant care. Plaintiff’s speech, cognitive ability, and the function of upper extremities have greatly improved as a result of his parents’ unyielding dedication and The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) in Houston.
After the trial court’s entry of the default judgment the case settled on March 22, 2012, for $30,641,914.74.
HOW WE HELPED THE PLAINTIFF
Compassion
Persistence
The case concerned unique facts regarding whether the employee was in the course and scope of his employment at the time of the crash. The spoliation motion and motion for default judgment included allegations the defendant failed to disclose photographs in a timely fashion that showed the truck’s left rear taillight was taped up at the time of the accident due to pre-existing damage.
The tape was removed before plaintiff’s expert had an opportunity to inspect the truck, despite a Court Order to the contrary. Plaintiff alleged the defendants tampered with the taillights, including the replacing of bad taillight bulbs before the truck was inspected by plaintiffs’ expert.
Defendants also, despite being asked in discovery and by the Court, failed to disclose the fact their liability expert had previously rendered a report that was damaging to defendants on several significant issues; the expert subsequently issued another report that contradicted his initial undisclosed report. Further, the liability expert denied issuing an earlier narrative report. Defendants furnished inconsistent information throughout the discovery process.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
“I found the law firm to be very helpful and knowledgeable with handling my case. I could not have seen myself choosing another law firm. Putting my trust into them was never in question or doubt. I can say that they are truly one of a kind law firm and are real people when it comes to handling business.”
– Broussard Injury Lawyers client
STEVEN BROUSSARD
Partner – Trial Lawyer
After graduating from law school in 1977, Steve entered solo practice and for eight years handled virtually every type of case imaginable – from murder cases to divorces to wrongful death civil actions. After eight years, Steve ran for and was elected Judge for the Ward 4 Sulphur City Court.
During the 18 years that Steve served as Judge, he continued to maintain heavy caseload in his private practice by working long hours. At that point in his practice, Steve began limiting his cases to those involving personal injury.
In 2002, Steve retired from the Judgeship and now practices law full-time, handling serious injury and death cases. The knowledge and experience that Steve gained through serving as a judge for 18 years is an invaluable asset to him in representing victims in serious injury and death cases. Steve understands firsthand not only the workings of a court from both the attorney’s viewpoint and the judge’s viewpoint, but he knows what it takes to impress a judge with the merits of a particular case.
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