Louisiana Class Action & Toxic Tort Attorneys
Jeffrey Berniard and the Berniard Law Firm are trusted leaders in class action litigation. Initiating a class action lawsuit is a complex task; these cases demand a great amount of effort, resources, and specialized skill. Jeffrey and his team are well-established, competent, and have the requisite experience a class action lawsuit demands in the modern legal landscape.
A Proven Track Record of Leadership
Our firm’s reputation is rooted in our proficiency in constructing strong class action lawsuits. Jeffrey and his team are known for leading groups of attorneys in the representation of large groups of victims. We look beyond a sole financial remedy; we work towards changing the wrongful behavior of major defendants.
Notable Leadership Examples:
- Antitrust & Consumer Protection: Initiated a major consumer protection lawsuit against Cox Communications, pursuing an illegal tying and antitrust case to return fairness to the cable industry.
- Toxic Torts & Chemical Exposure: Appointed to represent class members against Dow Chemical following a chemical release in Hahnville, Louisiana.
Why Choose Class Action Litigation in 2026?
Under the latest Louisiana civil procedures, class actions remain the most efficient way to handle widespread harm.
- Lower Litigation Costs: We provide a platform for violations to be heard that might otherwise be too costly to pursue individually. By spreading costs among a large base of plaintiffs, we ensure justice is accessible to everyone.
- Efficient Legal Process: A class action is decided by one court and one judge, avoiding the prolonged litigation process of thousands of individual trials.
- Consistent Results: We eliminate the risk of inconsistent rulings where one plaintiff receives compensation while another receives nothing for the same wrong.
Important: 2025-2026 Legal Updates for Louisiana Plaintiffs
It is critical to understand how recent legislative changes affect your ability to join a class or mass tort:
- Two-Year Filing Window: For any injury or violation occurring after July 1, 2024, the prescriptive period (deadline) has been extended from one year to two years.
- Modified Comparative Fault (2026): Starting January 1, 2026, Louisiana law bars recovery if a plaintiff is found more than 50% at fault. In complex class actions involving physical harm, proving the defendant’s primary liability is now more important than ever.
- Housley Presumption Repealed: As of May 2025, Louisiana no longer automatically presumes an accident caused an injury just because a healthy person became symptomatic after a crash or exposure. We now utilize advanced medical testimony to meet this higher burden of proof.