CLASS ACTION/ MASS TORT CASES
SPECIAL CASES
Conoco 1
In January of 2001 the Conoco refinery in Westlake, Louisiana failed to properly maintain its facilities. This failure resulted in the release of hydrogen sulfide into the community, causing various ailments. Richard Law Firm, LLC was instrumental in the resulting $5 million settlement and upgrade of Conoco facilities.
Conoco 2
In January of 2002 the Conoco refinery in Westlake, Louisiana again failed to properly maintain its facilities. The failure resulted in the release of sulfur dioxide into the community, causing significant ailments in thousands of citizens. Richard Law Firm, LLC was instrumental in the resulting $64.5 million settlement and upgrade of Conoco facilities.
2nd Chance Toyobo Body Armor Litigation
In 2005, Richard Law Firm, LLC was instrumental in the settlement of claims against this manufacturer of bullet proof vests. These vests, sold to law enforcement personnel throughout Louisiana and the United States, were defective. The national settlement resulted in a resolution of over $29 million.
“Dirty Doctor” Voyeurism Litigation
In 2007, it was discovered that Lake Charles OB-GYN, Peter Lafuria, M.D., had taken illegal, illicit and unpermitted nude photographs of numerous patients. In addition to the criminal charges pending against him by law enforcement, Richard Law Firm, LLC was instrumental in obtaining a $3.5 million settlement from Dr. Lafuria’s personal assets. This fund was used to address the grievous damage he did to over 600 claimants. Litigation is still pending against Dr. Lafuria’s medical malpractice carrier.
DeRidder, Louisiana Water Contamination Litigation
In October 2002, the City of DeRidder failed to properly treat its drinking water, resulting in a high level of coliform bacteria. Some 900 claimants experienced illness due to this negligence. The matter is still in litigation.
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana Water Contamination Litigation
In 2002, the parish Waterworks Districts 3 and 8 failed to properly treat the drinking water, resulting in a high level of coliform bacteria. Approximately 2500 claimants experienced illness due to this illness. The matter has been certified by Judge Robert Wyatt and is still in litigation.
Citgo 1 Litigation
In 2006, the Citgo facility in Calcasieu Parish experienced a major failure, resulting in the leakage of nearly 3 million gallons of slop oil. A preliminary settlement has been reached for the some 200 claimants represented by Richard Law Firm, L.L.C. The specifics of this matter will be published shortly.
Oyster Litigation
In March of 2007, the main sewer line for the City of Sulphur ruptured. This resulted in the release of some 25 million gallons of raw sewerage into the estuaries in the area. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals acted due to this dangerous situation and closed the last 38 days of oyster season. Richard Law Firm, L.L.C. represents some 150 oyster harvesters, dealers and deckhands for the economic loss they sustained. The matter is currently in litigation and settlement negotiations are ongoing.
Citgo 2
In February, 2008, Citgo experienced a failure of its power splices due to negligent preparation of same. This failure resulted in a massive release of dangerous chemicals, including sulphur dioxide. Litigation is pending on behalf of over 300 claimants.
Citgo 3
In June, 2008, Citgo experienced yet another failure of its power spices due to negligent preparation of same. This failure resulted in a massive release of dangerous chemicals, including sulphur dioxide. Litigation will commence shortly.
Georgia Gulf 1 Litigation
In October, 2006, the Georgia Gulf facility in Westlake, Louisiana, experienced an explosion due to negligent maintenance of the facility. This resulted in a toxic plume of vinyl chloride and other chemicals blanketing the community. Richard Law Firm, L.L.C. represents over 2000 claimants in this matter.
Georgia Gulf 2 Litigation
In November, 2007, the Georgia Gulf facility in Westlake, Louisiana, experienced another explosion due to negligent maintenance of the facility. This resulted in a toxic plume of vinyl chloride and other chemicals blanketing the community. Richard Law Firm, L.L.C. represents over 2000 claimants in this matter.
Clean Harbors/Bayou Sorrell Litigation
Due to the improper operation of hazardous waste injection wells, the community of Bayou Sorrell, in Iberville Parish, faced possible contamination. Richard Law Firm, L.L.C. achieved a resolution of this matter recently and is awaiting the claims process to be established by the court.
Bail Bonds Litigation
We are currently investigating possible claims against Safety National Casualty Corporation and Ranger Insurance Co. These claims arise out of improper debt collection from bail bond indemnity agreements.
Compro Tax Litigation
We have filed suit on behalf of our clients against Compro Tax, Inc. and Ronald Fontenot. These claims arise from improper tax advice our clients received from Compro Tax, Inc.. Mr. Fontenot ran many Compro Tax offices in the Lake Area and advised our clients to file for federal income tax credits arising from non-conventional fuel sources. These credits were later denied by the IRS and the IRS has forced the taxpayers to re-pay the amounts of the credits. The primary tax years for this scheme were 2005 and 2006. We have filed suit as a class action, and this claim was removed to federal court. Currently, we are attempting to remand this case back to the 14th Judicial District of Louisiana.