Ehime Maru / USS Greenville:

The Firm was the only American Law Firm retained by the family members of the deceased school children aboard the Japanese fishing vessel Ehime Maru which was tragically sunk off the coast of Hawaii when the United States Nuclear Submarine USS Greenville conducted an Emergency main Ballast Tank Blow in order to entertain 16 “Distinguished Visitor” guests visiting aboard the vessel. The firm was successful in assisting to arrange the search for the remains of the victims and played an integral part in negotiating the final settlement of the entire dispute between the Japanese families and the United States Government.

Woznica vs. USA & Keystone Alaska, LLC et al.:

Mr. Woznica was a Polish Seafarer employed by Alaska Tanker Company aboard the Alaska Tanker Kenai as a member of a repair-riding crewmember when an engine fell causing relatively minor physical injuries while the ship was sailing in the Pacific Ocean. Post accident, Mr. Woznica developed Post Traumatic Paranoid Schizophrenia rendering him totally and permanently disabled. Suit was filed in California and after discovery and motion practice, the case was settled for a confidential amount in the six figure range.

Alila & Gonzales v. Lochness Shipping, Inc.:

Two Philippino seaman were flash burned on the face and hands while working aboard the M/V Lochness. The vessel was attached in the Mississippi River, jurisdiction and venue was established in Louisiana State Court and pre-trial, the case was settled in the six-figure range.

Prased et al. v. Volga Shipping, LLC et al.:

During a voyage from Texas City, Texas to Punta Cardon, Venezuela, two Indian seaman were killed when the M/V Volga improperly conducted toxic gas ventilation procedures on the vessel’s cargo holds. Owners interest settled the case with the deceased’s family members for contractual benefits and forced full releases to be executed. The family members later retained the firm and suit was brought in Louisiana State Court where the case was ultimately resolved in a confidential amount in the six figure range.

Endencia v. The Dow Chemical Company, et al.:

Mr. Endencia was struck on the head by a falling pipe while employed as a seaman aboard the M/V Alpha Gas, while the vessel was docked at the Dow Chemical plant in Iberville Parish, Louisiana. Mr. Endencia suffered severe head injuries requiring surgery and an extended hospitalization. Within 6 days of filing the petition, Mr. Endencia’s claim was completely resolved for a confidential amount in the six figure range.

Rivas et al. v. Tidewater, Inc. and Tidewater Crewing Ltd.:

Mr. Munoz, a Chilean seaman, died on June 26, 2000 as a result of a blow to the head from a blunt object while he was in the engine room of the M/V Osa. The victim’s family retained an attorney in Chilé to pursue their case. In turn, the Chilean firm contacted Dodson & Hooks. In approximately 1 year, the claim was settled in the six figure range.

Downs v. State of Louisiana, DOTD:

Mr. Downs was employed by the Sabine River Authority, an agency of the State of Louisiana, assigned to work at the Toledo Bend Reservoir as a seaman on board a stump cutting barge. The SRA refused to allow the barge to be properly moored at a docking facility causing Mr. Downs to slip and fall down an earthen embankment severely injuring his neck and back. The State of Louisiana filed a limitation of liability action in the Middle District of Louisiana, removing Mr. Downs’ state court petition. The case was settled in the six figure range prior to the hearing on the plaintiff’s motion to dismiss the limitation action.

Swistek et al. v. Toki, Ltd., et al.:

Mr. Swistek, a Polish seaman was tragically killed while working as an O/S on board the M/V Toki while the vessel was discharging cargo in the Mississippi River. The firm represented the widow and minor children of the seaman and the case was settled for an amount in the six figure range within 12 months of the accident.

Ballester, et al. v. Thor Shipping, Ltd., et al. :

On March 2, 2000, while the M/V Johann Schulte was on a voyage from Amport, Belgium to Houston, Texas, 5 foreign seaman were involved in an accident during anchor securing operations when 18-20 feet high waves crashed upon the deck of the vessel. Two seaman were killed and three others sustained serious injuries, including brain damage, disfigurement and contusions. The case was settled as to all claimants in early 2003 with a total settlement in the six figure range.

Andryev v. Sealink, Inc. et al. :

Mr. Andreyev, a Ukranian seaman, was injured while servicing the vessel’s hydrophore tank when it exploded, causing serious injuries to the seaman. The case was brought in Federal Court in Puerto Rico. The defendants filed a countersuit in England, seeking an order the Mr. Andreyev arbitrate his claim against his employer in London. The case was ultimately settled in the six figure range.

Duzon, et al. v. Venture Transports, Inc. et al. :

On December 18, 1998, 2 Philippino seaman were returning from shore leave on the M/V Witchqueen’s bicycle, the men were struck from behind by a 18 Wheel Tractor Trailer at Port Fourchon, Louisiana. Mr. Paral was killed instantly, and Mr. Duzon was rendered permanently disabled and horrifically brain damaged. After trial on the merits and after all final appeals, the defendants were forced to pay a judgment in the seven figure range.

Boca v. SBT Star Bulk & Tankers, et al.:

Mr. Boca, a Romanian seafarer, was working aboard the M/V Thomas Selmer when he was struck about the face and head with a cable, causing him serious brain injuries. His claim was settled in 9 months for a confidential amount in the seven figure range.

Hurricane

Firm is prosecuting a fraudulent house raiser who, following Hurricane Katrina, contracted to raise a multi-million dollar historical plantation, and failed to perform the work timely, or in a professional, workman like manner. Additionally, the contractor illegally left the jobsite owing the homeowner monetary advances. Case pending.

Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act - 3rd Party Injury (905b)

Firm is prosectuing a maritime company, seaman employer and seaman worker who injured a longshoreman while working on the job and who was completely free from fault. The firm obtained a million dollar judgment against the seaman and the case is pending against that seaman's employer.

Unclaimed Property

The firm is prosecuting Louisiana Treasurer John Kennedy in a class action proceeding for intentionally failing to properly administer Louisiana's Unclaimed Property Fund requiring that Louisiana citizens be paid interest on unclaimed property pursuant to Lousianana's statutory scheme. Case Pending.

Women's Rights

Firm is prosecuting a sexual harassment claim against one of the worlds largest oil and gas companies. The female plant employee was subjected to some of the worst physical touching and degrading mental abuses at the hands of multiple supervisor's at the plant. The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rendered a decision in favor of the client and the oil company continues to refuse to comply with federal employment rights laws. Case Pending

The firm was appointed as Liason (lead) Counsel in a class action lawsuit against Dr. Peter Lafuria for unlawfully photographing ob-gyn patients while he performed breast and pelvic examinations. The illegal conduct occured over the course of multiple years. The firm, along with the valuable assistance of other class counsel and bankruptcy attorneys, was able to secure a multiple million dollar settlement from the doctor's personal funds. He is currently awaiting criminal prosecution. The firm and other class counsel are prosecuting the medical malpractice case agianst Dr. Lafuria's insurer, LAMMICO, who refuses to accept responsibility for its insured's acts while treating his patients. Case Pending.

Medical Malpractice

Client v. Burger King and ___ Hospital

While in drive-through line at a fast food restaurant, client was attacked by another driver who stabbed customer through the chest, puncturing lungs, peircing his heart and liver. Client was near death and, after undergoing over a dozen surgeries, client remains permanently paralyzed. Client remained in constant, excrutiating pain, and continued bouts of unconscience episodes for many months after all surgeries were completed. Finally, after 4 emergency room visits, a large mass of operating gause and sponges were found lodged in client's chest wall. Case Pending.

Class Action

Clients v. Boh Brothers Construction Co.

Months after Hurricane Katrina, an entire neighborhood was rebuilt with all new epuipment, air conditioning systems, furniture and fixtures, when Boh was contracted to replace a black-topped roadway. Failing to follow mandatory construction industry standards, Boh left concrete - limestone dust uncovered for far too long. The base dust was allowed to invade and damage the neighboring homes, including the new air conditioning systems, the internal home duct work, fan motors, kitchen equipment, floor and window coverings. Clients are asking to have their homes and equipment professionally cleaned to ensure all new equipment's manfucturing warranties are preserved. Case Pending.

Civil Rights

Client is the mother of an inmate who died in the hands of prision officials. Client's son had begged prision officials for timely health care and because of officials' failure to provide basic life altering medical care, Client's son died a painful death, being declared dead within minutes of arriving at the hospital from the prision. Case Pending.

Client v. St. John Parish Sheriff

Client's son was rendered permanently brain damaged and left quadrapalegic after a fall from the un-guarded top bunk bed in which he was required to sleep. The sheriff's office and prision guards admit knowldege of serious head injuries in the prision that were caused to another inmate after a fall from the same type of bunk bed. Guard rails were available by the manfucturer of the bed when it was ordered by the sheriff. Additionally, aftermarket guards were available for under a hundred dollars. Case Pending.

Client v. Aurora Corp

Client's minor child had his hand mulitated in one of Aurora's unsafe paper shreaders.The shreader's paper intake opening was far too large for safe operation. Client's child will be permanently disfigured for the reminder of his life. Case Pending.

Client v. A Baton Rouge Commercial Construction Company

Client is the owner of 2 multi-million dollar commercial retail buildings totaling thousands of square footage of retail sales space in the Baton Rouge metro-area. The firm is prosecuting redhibition and faulty construction claims on behalf of the building owner. Case Pending.

Client v. (Defendants names)

Client was a work release inmate whose leg was destroyed when a load of dunnage being unloaded from a foreign cargo ship fell from a defective and improperlly loaded crane strapping. Case is being prosecuted against the crane barge owner and seagoing vessel owner. Case Pending.

Client v. Baton Rouge City Police

Client was violently raped, pistol whipped and urinated upon by an off-duty, uniformed police officer while the officer was utilizing the city's police cruiser, police radio, service revolver, and badge. Prior to this rape, this officer was found guilty by internal investigation officers of the city of Baton Rouge, of violating numerous police procedures, including destroying police property, and theft of money during an arrest from the person being arrested. Following the rape of the firm's client, this identical officer perpatrated another rape in the identical fashon. When the second rape was reported, city 911 operators and police supervisors openly laughed and joked about the situation, calling the reporting victim a mental patient. No criminal prosecution has occurred even though these horrific acts were perpertrated years ago. The firm is prosecuting the City for keeping this criminal on its payroll, failing to oversee and supervise him, instead enabling his predatory, sick crimes.

Case Pending.

Clint v. Dow Chemical Company

Clients' (family members and closely held family companies) lawsuit alleges its' land was stolen by the Dow Chemical Company, who used the land to build a huge, leveed brine pond which it used for its chemical manufacturing facility. The firm is part of a team of lawyers prosecuting Dow for these allegations and, if successful, will force Dow to remove hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of levee and piping systems and require Dow's pollution of their property to be cleaned to pre-theft condition. Case Pending.

Client v. Former Husband

The Firm is representing a Client who was fraudently induced to enter into a multi-million dollar community property donation to her husband for a small amout of cash in order to house and feed her small children during divorce proceedings. The scheme was perpertrated by not only her ex-husband, but also by their trusted family attorney. The Firm is prosecuting the ex-husband, the family attorny, and his insurer. Case Pending.

Clients v. International Oil Company

The Firm is prosecuting a Nigerian oil company for failing to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in wages to American employees who supervised the manufacturing of floating oil exploration platforms. In addition, the Clients are seeking hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties and attorney fees which are legally owed pursuant to Louisiana's protective employment law statutory scheme.

Client v. Flour Corporation, Maytag Corporation, MMR Corporation, Fleetwood Corporation and each company's multimillion dollar insurance companies

Client's husband was killed in a Hurricane Katrina FEMA trailor explosion caused by the negligence of one or more of the companies detailed above. Propane gas was caused to leak into the trailer, and while standing near the stove, the gas exploded causing horrific burns, burns so very bad that skin left the body. In excrutiating pain for weeks. Client's husband finally died of his wounds. Client is set on ensuring this injury and death will never happen to others. Maytag installed a gas stove that was not designed for hurricane victim's daily use. MMR failed to test the propane gas detector, a test it was contractually required to perform. Flour's employee and procedures failed to comply with state and national propane gas standards for testing propane systems in mobile homes and travel trailers. Fleetwood manfuctured the defective trailer that included the component parts that failed to warn Client's husband of the impending explosion. Case Pending.