In a legacy case defended by Liskow & Lewis, the Louisiana Supreme Court recently denied Plaintiff-landowners’ writ application seeking review of an opinion of the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal that affirmed a unanimous jury verdict in favor of BP. Houssiere v. ASCO USA, 12-791 (La. App. 3 Cir. 1/16/13), 108 So. 3d 797. The Houssiere plaintiffs brought breach of contract and tort claims against BP under Act 312 for alleged contamination of property caused by historic oil and gas operations. The jury rejected Plaintiffs’ claims, finding that BP did not cause environmental damage to Plaintiffs’ property. The Third Circuit affirmed the jury’s findings and also held that the trial court properly applied Act 312 to Plaintiffs’ claims as presented at trial. A copy of the Third Circuit decision can be found here (pdf).
For more information, contact George Arceneaux, Joe Norman, or Kelly Becker.