Louisiana Class Action Defense Lawyer

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Class Action Litigation

As the owner or legal representative of a company, avoiding legal issues can be challenging. It is normal to feel overwhelmed when legal allegations are levied against you, particularly when they may jeopardize your business or investment. If numerous individuals are bringing a case against you in a class action suit, it is of the utmost importance to work with a qualified Louisiana class action defense lawyer.

Industries That May Face Class Action Suits

A number of industries and professions are at risk of class action suits, in which several plaintiffs collectively file their claim. Class action suits can be particularly costly, as they may involve hundreds or even millions of individuals demanding some form of compensation. For example, 46 states joined in a class action suit against multiple tobacco companies in 1998, leading to a settlement of 206 billion dollars.

Certain industries are particularly likely to face class action suits, including, but not limited to:

  • Energy companies: Energy companies, particularly those involved with petroleum, have faced major claims in the past. Often, these claims are related to alleged environmental damage, such as damage to clean water or air.
  • Financial companies: These companies may face class action suits dealing with alleged predatory lending or infringements on security.
  • Pharmaceutical companies: Drugs, particularly new ones, often come with inherent risks. When a number of pharmaceutical users feel their health has suffered due to drug usage or that they were not properly informed of health risks, they may unite to file a class action suit.
  • Manufacturing companies: Beyond pharmaceutical companies, other companies bringing products to the market are at risk of class action cases. These include auto manufacturers, medical equipment manufacturers, construction or building material manufacturers, and a host of others that may face products liability and/or class action cases.
  • Companies with employees: Any company with a certain number of employees may face a class action suit. Often, these cases deal with alleged labor practice issues, discriminatory practices, or harassment.

Louisiana is home to a variety of thriving businesses and industries. As of 2023, around 138,000 Louisiana residents were employed in advanced manufacturing. Energy, which includes gas and oil interests, is another of Louisiana’s identified key industries; universities such as LSU in Baton Rouge and University of Louisiana in Lafayette offer programs focused on expanding this industry, such as petroleum engineering and petroleum geology and exploration.

Partnering With an Experienced Class Action Defense Firm

The class action attorneys of Degan, Blanchard & Nash have over sixty-five years of combined experience in complex civil litigation, class action and multidistrict practices. This practice has brought us before both state and Federal courts, across the country. With this experience comes a depth of specialized knowledge and capabilities that we can offer to our clients. Wherever possible Degan, Blanchard & Nash strives to obtain the dismissal of, or defeat the attempted certification of the class, either at the trial court, or where necessary, appellate court level.

Over the years Degan, Blanchard & Nash attorneys have been at the forefront of defending class action and multidistrict litigation in areas of industry including but not limited to pharmaceutical, asbestos, and toxic torts. We have handled numerous environmental and mass tort claims involving coverage under multiple policy years and multiple insurers.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which wreaked havoc on New Orleans and other areas, we successfully obtained the dismissal of our clients from several post-Katrina class actions for failure to pay a contractor overhead and profit and successfully overturned rulings certifying a class in Johns vs. National Security. Most recently, Degan, Blanchard & Nash was part of a team of attorneys acting on behalf of defendants in the MDL based out of Louisiana, referred to as the FEMA Formaldehyde Litigation, in which a settlement was reached and approved by the court.

The attorneys of Degan, Blanchard & Nash have the skills, knowledge and experience to handle all of the issues involved in class actions, be it state, federal or multidistrict litigation. Having a legal representative who is familiar with all levels of the legal system, including appellate courts, can make all the difference in an important legal case. Our firm not only has over 55 experienced lawyers, but we also offer a dedicated appellate practice section.

From the inception of the case, battling over the certification of a class through negotiation of a final class settlement, Degan, Blanchard & Nash strives to ensure the best representation of its clients. Recognizing the high cost that is often associated with class actions, the class action trial attorney ensures that a matter is properly staffed with highly qualified paralegals and associates, where appropriate.

Our attorneys are able to successfully manage class action, multi-plaintiff, and complex litigation matters with our clients’ need for cost containment, quality legal services, and informed counsel always at the forefront of our client interaction. Degan Blanchard & Nash understands both the cost issues and business issues associated with complex civil litigation, class action and multidistrict litigation and, therefore, it is its practice to work closely with each client to carefully evaluate liability, develop strategies to reduce or limited liability, and finally dismiss or settled the action.

Regardless of whether you are currently in an intense legal battle, at the beginning stages of litigation, or simply concerned about the possibility of a class action suit, the team at Degan, Blanchard & Nash can offer the support you are looking for. Our lawyers have experience in multiple areas of business defense and can build a solid defense for your case. Reach out to our team today so we can advocate for you.