A Life Unjustly Lost and the Uphill Battle

May 7, 2005. It was a beautiful day on Lake Charles, as 20-year-old college student Derek Hebert headed out on a 21-foot boat to celebrate Contraband Days. But what began as fun in the sun quickly became a nightmare. The boat suddenly, violently, veered left, throwing Derek and several other passengers into the water. Tragically, Derek was almost immediately struck by the propeller, suffering fatal injuries.

His family was left with an unbearable loss, haunted by the sudden, preventable end of a young life. They desperately sought answers, but the path to justice was long and fraught with setbacks.

For nine agonizing years, Derek’s family fought for answers, navigating a complex legal system. The case went to trial, and in 2014, the jury found for the defense, awarding zero compensation to Derek’s heartbroken father. It seemed like their quest for justice was over, the truth obscured. This is where many would give up

Unveiling the Truth, Delivering a Historic Victory

The tide turned when a judge, recognizing a profound injustice, granted a new trial after it was revealed that Teleflex, Inc. had misled the court regarding a crucial owner’s manual. The stage was set for a new fight, but with the trial just three weeks away, they needed a team with extraordinary courage and trial skill.

With only three weeks to prepare for the second trial, Aaron and Randy stepped in. This was a race against time, a desperate effort to correct a profound wrong. They dove deep into the evidence, applying relentless creativity and unparalleled trial skill. Their mission was clear: prove that Teleflex, Inc. acted with “wanton and reckless disregard for the rights and safety of others,” a crucial standard under general maritime law required for punitive damages.

They presented a compelling case, exposing the truth about the product and its dangers. The jury listened, understood, and delivered a resounding verdict. The plaintiffs were victorious, awarded $125,000 in compensatory damages and an astounding $23 million in punitive damages. This wasn’t just a win; it was one of the largest single plaintiff verdicts in Louisiana history, a testament to courage, perseverance, and the power of truth.

“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 Knoll Law Firm Client

Aaron Broussard
Partner & Trial Lawyer