A Life Unjustly Lost and the Uphill Battle

For offshore oil workers, helicopter flights are a regular part of the job. But for our client, what should have been a routine takeoff from an offshore platform turned into a horrifying nightmare. Her husband, a dedicated offshore worker, was tragically killed when the helicopter he was in crashed during lift-off.
A forensic investigation revealed a shocking truth: the helicopter’s landing skid had become entangled with a simple hatch handle on the helideck. This seemingly minor detail caused the pilot to lose control, leading to a catastrophic crash and the devastating loss of a life. His family was left heartbroken, grappling with unimaginable grief and the sudden loss of their financial security.
When a tragedy like this strikes, the anguish is profound. To then face a complex legal battle, especially when the initial outcome is a crushing defeat, can feel impossible. In this case, the first federal trial resulted in a defense verdict, leaving our client feeling as though her husband’s life, and their future, had been dismissed. It seemed like justice was out of reach.

Unwavering Resolve, Life-Changing Outcome

But at Broussard Knoll Law Firm, we believe in determination and focus. We knew the evidence pointed clearly to negligence. We refused to accept that verdict.

Our team worked tirelessly to convince the trial court that the jury’s decision was against the overwhelming weight of the evidence, successfully arguing for and securing a new trial. This was a testament to our unwavering commitment to justice, even when the odds seemed stacked against us after the initial loss.

The fight continued with unwavering resolve. As the second trial approached its conclusion, our relentless pursuit of justice paid off. Faced with our compelling evidence and the certainty of a new jury trial, the defendant finally met our client’s reasonable settlement demand.

While no legal outcome can ever truly heal the profound anguish of losing a loved one, we were able to secure the crucial financial support she lost. This confidential, life-changing settlement provides Joann and her family with the assurance they have the financial resources needed for the rest of their lives, allowing her to focus on her children and grandchildren without the constant burden of financial worry.

“From the first visit, the professional and compassionate way I was greeted continued throughout my association with Steven. I was made to feel comfortable and confident in the decisions we made. The integrity and overall handling of my case made me feel I could trust this firm in any legal matter.”

Broussard Knoll Law Firm Client

“Things don’t always go the way you want them to go in trial. Any trial lawyer who says otherwise is not a real trial lawyer, because he has never tried any hard cases. But I am proud to say that anytime we have lost, we never went down without a fight. This case is a perfect example. We never gave up and we finally got justice for our client.”

Steven Broussard
Partner & Trial Lawyer