Catastrophe on the Interstate

Imagine driving normally on the interstate, when suddenly, the car in front of you brakes abruptly and attempts an illegal U-turn across the median in an “authorized vehicles only” area. That’s exactly what happened to our client. He was simply driving when the defendant’s reckless maneuver caused a catastrophic rear-end collision. This wasn’t just an accident; it was a devastating act of negligence. Our client’s spinal cord was severed, he suffered a severe brain injury, and countless other fractures. His life, as he knew it, was over, replaced by the need for 24-hour attendant care and a future defined by immense physical and cognitive challenges. In the wake of such a life-altering injury, the family was left not only with overwhelming medical needs but also with the daunting task of holding the negligent parties accountable.

Battling Deception and Securing Justice

This pursuit of justice presented unique and complex challenges. While the initial negligence was clear, the true test came when the defendants allegedly began engaging in spoliation and discovery abuse. Their pattern of misconduct threatened to derail our client’s pursuit of compensation, including allegations that they failed to disclose critical photographs showing pre-existing damage to the vehicle. Worse, they were accused of removing tape from the truck’s taillight after a court order to preserve the evidence, tampering with evidence, and replacing taillight bulbs before inspection. This deception extended to their expert testimony, as they withheld a damaging internal report from their own liability expert, who later issued a contradictory public report denying his initial findings. 

At Broussard Knoll Law Firm, we believe that when a client’s life is shattered by negligence and then compounded by dishonesty, compassion must fuel persistence. We fought tirelessly against the defendant’s attempts to obstruct justice, meticulously documenting every instance of discovery abuse and evidence tampering. Our unwavering efforts led the trial court to take decisive, rare action: a default judgment was entered against the defendants on liability, and their defenses were struck. This rarely-granted legal maneuver was a powerful testament to the egregious misconduct of the defendants and our relentless pursuit of truth.

Unwavering Persistence, Life-Changing Results

The legal pressure resulting from the default judgment was undeniable. On March 22, 2012, the case settled for a staggering $30,641,914.74. This monumental recovery was a direct result of our persistent advocacy. While his life has been irrevocably changed, this significant settlement, combined with his family’s dedication and intensive rehabilitation, has provided the necessary resources for a lifetime of care and support, greatly improving his speech, cognitive ability, and the function of his upper extremities.

“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

Steven Broussard
Partner & Trial Lawyer