3rd Circuit Court of Appeal

Press Release

Opinions Rendered From 12/10/03 To 12/10/03

Opinions written by: Hon. Ned E. Doucet Jr.

CW 03 00495

RICHARD HARMON AND PAM HARMON

VERSUS

REPUBLIC VANGUARD INSURANCE

COMPANY, ET AL

Lead Case CA 03 0000794 consolidated with CW 03 0000495

Date Filed: 04/21/2003

Trial Court: ST. LANDRY

Twenty-Seventh Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 02-0727-A

Trial Judge: Hon. James T. Genovese

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Writ Denied

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ned E. Doucet Jr. - Writing

Hon. Sylvia R. Cooks

Hon. Michael G. Sullivan

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CA 03 00668

JESSICA BROUSSARD, ET AL.

VERSUS

RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, ET AL.

Date Filed: 05/28/2003

Trial Court: Acadia

Fifteenth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 74,915

Trial Judge: Hon. J. Byron Hebert

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ned E. Doucet Jr. - Writing

Hon. Sylvia R. Cooks

Hon. Michael G. Sullivan

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CA 03 00676

ROBERT J.OWENS

VERSUS

BOH BROS. CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.

Date Filed: 05/29/2003

Trial Court: Calcasieu

Fourteenth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 97-5246

Trial Judge: Hon. Alcide Joseph Gray

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ned E. Doucet Jr. - Writing

Hon. Sylvia R. Cooks

Hon. Michael G. Sullivan

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WCA 03 00678

JASON HALKER

VERSUS

AMERICAN SHEET METAL

Date Filed: 05/30/2003

Trial Court: Calcasieu

Office of Workers' Compensation - # 3

Trial Court Number: 01-04520

Trial Judge: Charlotte A. L. Bushnell

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ned E. Doucet Jr. - Writing

Hon. Sylvia R. Cooks

Hon. Michael G. Sullivan

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CA 03 00692

CHAD LAPOINT, ET AL.

VERSUS

JASON SMITH, ET AL.

Date Filed: 06/03/2003

Trial Court: Cameron

Thirty-Eighth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 10-15099

Trial Judge: Hon. H. Ward Fontenot

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ned E. Doucet Jr. - Writing

Hon. Sylvia R. Cooks

Hon. Michael G. Sullivan

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KA 03 00710

STATE OF LOUISIANA

VERSUS

ORLANDO OROSTEGUI

Date Filed: 06/06/2003

Trial Court: St. Martin

Sixteenth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 01-212972

Trial Judge: Hon. John E. Conery

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Conviction Affirmed; Sentence Amended.

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ned E. Doucet Jr. - Writing

Hon. Sylvia R. Cooks

Hon. Michael G. Sullivan

Opinion Remarks: Convictions Affirmed.

Sentences Amended.

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CA 03 00712

CHARLES SNOW

VERSUS

MICHAEL HARRISON, ET AL.

Date Filed: 06/06/2003

Trial Court: CONCORDIA

Seventh Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 36410

Trial Judge: Hon. Alfred A. Mansour

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ned E. Doucet Jr. - Writing

Hon. Sylvia R. Cooks

Hon. Michael G. Sullivan

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CA 03 00717

THELMA IRVIN, ET AL.

VERSUS

STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTO INS. CO., ET AL.

Date Filed: 06/06/2003

Trial Court: Lafayette

Fifteenth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 20016375

Trial Judge: Hon. Thomas R. Duplantier

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ned E. Doucet Jr. - Writing

Hon. Sylvia R. Cooks

Hon. Michael G. Sullivan

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CA 03 00794

RICHARD W. HARMON and PAM HARMON

VERSUS

REPUBLIC VANGUARD INSURANCE COMPANY, ET AL.

Lead Case CA 03 0000794 consolidated with CW 03 0000495

Date Filed: 06/20/2003

Trial Court: ST. LANDRY

Twenty-Seventh Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 02-C-0727-A

Trial Judge: Hon. James T. Genovese

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ned E. Doucet Jr. - Writing

Hon. Sylvia R. Cooks

Hon. Michael G. Sullivan

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Opinions written by: Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux

CA 03 00774

CHARLES THIELS, ET AL.

VERSUS

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SOUTH INS. CO., ET AL.

Lead Case CA 03 0000774 consolidated with CA 03 0000775

CA 03 0000776

CA 03 0000777

Date Filed: 06/18/2003

Trial Court: Rapides

Ninth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 208,655 C/W 209,772 C/W, 209,915 C/W 210,027

Trial Judge: Hon. Harry Fred Randow

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux - Writing

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

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CA 03 00775

CHARLES THIELS, ET AL.

VERSUS

STATE OF LA, THRU THE DOTD

Lead Case CA 03 0000774 consolidated with CA 03 0000775

CA 03 0000776

CA 03 0000777

Date Filed: 06/18/2003

Trial Court: Rapides

Ninth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 209,772 C/W 208,665 C/W, 209,915 C/W 210,027

Trial Judge: Hon. Harry Fred Randow

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux - Writing

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

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CA 03 00776

DEBORAH BANKS

VERSUS

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SOUTH INS. CO., ET AL.

Lead Case CA 03 0000774 consolidated with CA 03 0000775

CA 03 0000776

CA 03 0000777

Date Filed: 06/18/2003

Trial Court: Rapides

Ninth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 209,915 C/W 208,655 C/W, 209,772 C/W 210,027

Trial Judge: Hon. Harry Fred Randow

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux - Writing

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

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CA 03 00777

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SOUTH INS. CO.

VERSUS

CHARLES THIELS, ET AL.

Lead Case CA 03 0000774 consolidated with CA 03 0000775

CA 03 0000776

CA 03 0000777

Date Filed: 06/18/2003

Trial Court: Rapides

Ninth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 210,027 208,655 C/W, 209,772 C/W 209,915

Trial Judge: Hon. Harry Fred Randow

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux - Writing

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

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CA 03 00828

SOUTHWEST STEEL OF LOUISIANA, INC.

VERSUS

VINTON HARBOR AND TERMINAL DISTRICT

Date Filed: 06/26/2003

Trial Court: Calcasieu

Fourteenth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 2000-5078

Trial Judge: Hon. Wilford D. Carter

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux - Writing

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

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CA 03 00851

RUSSELL E. GAHAGAN, JR.

VERSUS

SYDNEY THORNTON

Date Filed: 06/30/2003

Trial Court: Natchitoches

Tenth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 73448

Trial Judge: Hon. Monty L. Doggett

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Reversed and Remanded

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux - Writing

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

Opinion Remarks: Reversed and Remanded

For Trial on the Merits.

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CA 03 00862

THOMAS LOVEJOY

VERSUS

HARDIE BERGEAUX and CRAIN BROTHERS, INC.

Date Filed: 07/02/2003

Trial Court: Calcasieu

Fourteenth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 2001-3295

Trial Judge: Hon. Patricia Minaldi

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Reversed and Remanded

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux - Writing

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

Opinion Remarks: Reversed and Remanded

For Trial on the Merits.

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WCA 03 00864

RODNEY G. DELANEY

VERSUS

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA

Date Filed: 07/02/2003

Trial Court: Rapides

Office of Workers' Compensation - # 2

Trial Court Number: 97-02010

Trial Judge: James L. Braddock

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux - Writing

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir – Concurs

Remarks: and assigns reasons.

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

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Opinions written by: Hon. Sylvia R. Cooks

CA 03 00093

ALFRED A. GADAPEE, JR., ET UX.

VERSUS

ALLSTATE INS. CO., ET AL.

Date Filed: 01/27/2003

Trial Court: BEAUREGARD

Thirty-Sixth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: C-2000-0590

Trial Judge: Hon. Stuart S. Kay Jr.

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Sylvia R. Cooks - Writing - Concurs

Hon. John D. Saunders

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

Opinion Remarks: Cooks, J. concurs for the purpose of

expressing her views separately.

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CA 03 00382

HERMAN J. DEJEAN, INDV., ET AL

VERSUS

M & K GIBSON CONSTRUCTION, INC.,

ET AL

Date Filed: 03/31/2003

Trial Court: Lafayette

Fifteenth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 981182

Trial Judge: Hon. Herman C. Clause

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Sylvia R. Cooks - Writing

Hon. John D. Saunders

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

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Opinions written by: Hon. Billie Colombaro Woodard

CW 03 00673

INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE STATE

OF PENNSYLVANIA

VERSUS

IRA J. SCHNEIDER, ET AL

Date Filed: 05/29/2003

Trial Court: Avoyelles

Twelfth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 2001-1436

Trial Judge: Hon. Mark A. Jeansonne

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Writ Denied

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Billie Colombaro Woodard - Writing

Hon. Glenn B. Gremillion

Hon. Elizabeth A. Pickett

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CA 03 00796

MARY L. BROWN, ET AL.

VERSUS

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Date Filed: 06/20/2003

Trial Court: Avoyelles

Twelfth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 2000-1321-B

Trial Judge: Hon. William Bennett

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Billie Colombaro Woodard - Writing

Hon. Glenn B. Gremillion

Hon. Elizabeth A. Pickett

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KA 03 00829

STATE OF LOUISIANA

VERSUS

PATRICK GILTON

Date Filed: 06/27/2003

Trial Court: Iberia

Sixteenth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 01CR1010

Trial Judge: Hon. William D. Hunter

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Billie Colombaro Woodard - Writing

Hon. Glenn B. Gremillion

Hon. Elizabeth A. Pickett

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Opinions written by: Hon. Oswald A. Decuir

CA 03 00823

CRAIG AND CINDY FONTENOT, ET AL.

VERSUS

ERIC AND JUDY GRANGER, ET AL.

Date Filed: 06/26/2003

Trial Court: Acadia

Fifteenth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 77,239

Trial Judge: Hon. Herman C. Clause

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Reversed and Remanded

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir - Writing

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

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CA 03 00826

JOSEPH K. MORROW

VERSUS

MICHAEL HILDALGO, ET AL.

Date Filed: 06/26/2003

Trial Court: Allen

Thirty-Third Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: C-2001-320

Trial Judge: Hon. Joel Gerard Davis

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Reversed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir - Writing

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

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CA 03 00852

SUCCESSION OF RONALD J. CHARLES, JR.

Date Filed: 06/30/2003

Trial Court: Lafayette

Fifteenth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 20030022

Trial Judge: Hon. Thomas R. Duplantier

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Affirmed as Amended

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir - Writing

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

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CA 03 00858

TAMMY JO EBARB

VERSUS

REGGIE LEE EBARB

Date Filed: 07/01/2003

Trial Court: Sabine

Eleventh Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 51,254

Trial Judge: Hon. Charles Blaylock Adams

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir - Writing

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

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CA 03 00861

KAREN UNKEL

VERSUS

W.O. MOSS REGIONAL HOSPITAL, ET AL.

Date Filed: 07/02/2003

Trial Court: Calcasieu

Fourteenth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 2001-5915

Trial Judge: Hon. G. Michael Canaday

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir - Writing

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

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WCA 03 00870

JAMES LANDRENEAU

VERSUS

ST. LANDRY FIRE DISTRICT III

Date Filed: 07/03/2003

Trial Court: Rapides

Office of Workers' Compensation - # 2

Trial Court Number: 00-08258

Trial Judge: James L. Braddock

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir - Writing

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

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CA 03 00872

SHAWN LYNETTE COOLEY WILSON

VERSUS

BO KELVIN WILSON

Date Filed: 07/03/2003

Trial Court: BEAUREGARD

Thirty-Sixth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: C-2000-1031

Trial Judge: Hon. Vernon Bruce Clark

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir - Writing

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

Opinion Remarks: Motion Denied. Judgment Affirmed.

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KA 03 00941

STATE OF LOUISIANA

VERSUS

TONY POLLARD

Date Filed: 07/21/2003

Trial Court: ST. LANDRY

Twenty-Seventh Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 02K3604B

Trial Judge: Hon. Aaron Frank McGee

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Affirmed and Remanded with Instructions

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir - Writing

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

Opinion Remarks: Affirmed and Remanded with Instructions.

Motion to Withdraw Granted.

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Opinions written by: Hon. Jimmie C. Peters

CA 03 00330

ANTHONY RAY BOYD

VERSUS

JULIE ESTILETTE BOYD

Date Filed: 03/17/2003

Trial Court: Iberia

Sixteenth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 87,837

Trial Judge: Hon. Keith Rayne Jules Comeaux

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was not Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Sylvia R. Cooks

Hon. John D. Saunders

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters - Writing

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CA 03 00667

FREDY RIVERA-SANTOS

VERSUS

ADA ELBA MELENDEZ RIVERA-SANTOS

Date Filed: 05/28/2003

Trial Court: Vernon

Thirtieth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 53,122

Trial Judge: Hon. John C. Ford

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Affirmed as Amended

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Sylvia R. Cooks

Hon. John D. Saunders

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters - Writing

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CA 03 00824

OPEL P. TEASLEY

VERSUS

CHARLES K. ATES

Date Filed: 06/26/2003

Trial Court: Rapides

Ninth Judicial District Court

Trial Court Number: 194,540

Trial Judge: Hon. Harry Fred Randow

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published

The Opinion - Affirmed

Opinion Panel:

Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux

Hon. Oswald A. Decuir

Hon. Jimmie C. Peters - Writing

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WCA 03 00827

RONALD K. TRAHAN

VERSUS

COKE UNITED

Date Filed: 06/26/2003

Trial Court: Calcasieu

Office of Workers' Compensation - # 3

Trial Court Number: 00-08339

Trial Judge: Charlotte A. L. Bushnell

Opinion Rendered on: 12/10/03 - Majority Opinion Rendered

The Opinion was Published <