DeRidder Maritime Lawyers

Rusty's unique background and experience give him the skills and knowledge you need in a personal injury attorney. A partner at Galloway Jefcoat, L.L.P., Rusty has become known as one of the area's leading advocates for victims of serious injuries. From 1995, until the present, he has earned the reputation as a tough, but fair-minded, lawyer willing to go the extra mile for his clients. For over a decade, Rusty has been successfully representing clients injured in automobile and offshore accidents. He has personally handled well over a thousand injury cases and has learned the best and most efficient ways...

With over forty-nine (49) years of legal experience, including having been a United States Magistrate Judge, as well as a Federal and State Criminal Prosecutor, in addition to many years in private practice, I am able to provide competent and thoughtful, but assertive, legal services in federal, state, and local courts. I am licensed to practice law in Louisiana, as well as Texas, and can practice law in most other jurisdictions on a pro hac vice basis. Never, never quit!!

Practicing in Acadiana since 1991.

Admitted all courts in Louisiana, State and Federal.

Previously IDO Board Criminal Defence for 13 years

Current member and Past Board of Director for Lafayette Parish Bar Assc.

Past Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acaidiana

Past President of Lafayette Trial Lawyers Assc

65 Ton USCG Capt. Licence (not current)

Current FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license. Single and multi-engine

Active Member Veterans's Airlift

Past Board Member of Louisiana Cutting Horse Assc.

University of Louisiana, Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering, 1988 Loyola University School of Law, 1992 Managing Partner: Barry, Rome & Scott

I am very much part of 2 groups : those who grew up for 5 years performing heavy manual labor as a youth; and those who performed well at Top U.S. Universities :Emory(Atlanta, undergraduate) , and Tulane(Law School).My zest is kindled by my desire and energy to flatten the opposing lawyers.Of course professionalism is needed always—my professional agenda is to go for the jugular vein poetically(not literally) .Zeal is something I took an oath to personify .When sworn in by the Louisiana Supreme Court, zeal was mandated as the mindset of an attorney. It’s a dog eat dog environment. Who...

Ed Kramer graduated from both LSU and LSU Law School where he was on the Louisiana Law Review, a prestigious student organization only accepting a few students by grade. After that, Ed began to practice personal injury accident law – representing only injured parties, not insurance companies, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Ed participated in trials, was involved in million-dollar cases, and even class action cases, mostly personal injury accident cases. Ed would like to help you too.

When Kurt Arnold represents someone, he’s all in. He’s won billions for his clients. In fact, he has recovered more than $1 billion in a single year multiple times and shattered records with his historic verdicts and settlements. He has helped clients recover losses after major maritime disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon and the El Faro. For Kurt, no fight is too difficult or complicated. He refuses to take “no” for an answer. When something bad happens, Kurt fights for his clients, no matter what. He never backs down, no matter how big the challenge. Kurt co-founded Arnold & Itkin...

New Orleans personal injury attorney Brent Cueria, skillfully represents clients who have suffered due to the negligence of others. He advocates for victims of trucking accidents, car accidents, Maritime accidents and any type of accident involving loss and trauma throughout New Orleans and Nationwide.

"Attorney Kenneth H. Hooks III focuses his practice on providing excellent representation to the few clients chosen by the section’s rigorous case selection. Kenny has practiced international maritime law for over 13 years as well as prosecuting horrific injury claims as a result of crashes, explosion burns, work place injuries and deaths, hospital errors and very large commercial claims all on a pure contingency basis. Mr. Hooks helps bring justice to individuals, businesses and professionals who have been wronged by others through both state and federal courts in Louisiana and throughout the United States as well as internationally. Mr....

Jeffrey P. Berniard received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance at McNeese State University, in Lake Charles, Louisiana in 2001 and received his Juris Doctorate degree at Loyola University New Orleans School of Law in 2004. Jeffrey opted to study in the state of Louisiana, his home, in order to stay close and stay connected to the state he loves and the state he grew up in.

Immediately following his graduation, Jeffrey Berniard was admitted to practice law in the state of Louisiana, including being able to practice in the Eastern, Western, and Middle Districts of Louisianaís U.S. District...

Chip applies his more than three decades of civil trial litigation experience to the most complex and difficult cases of medical malpractice and products liability nowadays. Based in the metro New Orleans area, Chip is licensed in Louisiana and Texas, he has a multi-state practice and has been admitted pro hac vice in many other states including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Chip brings together meticulous preparation with passionate courtroom advocacy on behalf of both his individual and corporate clients.

Chip’s preeminent professional achievements have been recognized by his peers and various legal and professional organizations including...

David Sharpe focuses on marine insurance coverage; marine finance and vessel documentation; bankruptcy, restructuring, and creditors’ rights; admiralty and maritime; and international and cross-border law. He represents clients that own, operate, charter, or employ vessels, and helps them understand and manage their risks in the United States, Gulf of Mexico, and worldwide offshore maritime oilfield and alternative-energy markets. Mr. Sharpe services clients in the area of concentration on maritime contracts (time and bareboat charter parties, master service contracts, insurance and indemnity agreements, marine-insurance coverage, and ship sale and finance) and related commercial litigation (maritime liens, vessel arrest and attachment,...

Scott Andrews is a 2011 Baton Rouge Business Report Forty Under 40 honoree, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Top 40 Under 40 member, Secretary of the Northwestern State University Foundation, an Adjunct Professor of Law teaching Insurance Law, Products Liability and Advanced Louisiana Torts at the Southern University Law Center. Scott has also been selected for inclusion in Louisiana Super Lawyers-Personal Injury Plaintiff (2012-2013), and enjoys a prestigious AV peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Scott Andrews is a Member of the Louisiana Law Review and published one article prior to graduating in 1996 as a member of...

Zoë Vermeulen is a partner in the New Orleans office of Kean Miller. She joined the firm in 2012 and practices in the admiralty and maritime practice group, as well as the labor and employment group.

Zoë earned her B.A. in Public Relations from Louisiana State University in 2008. She earned her J.D., magna cum laude, in 2012 from Tulane University Law School, where she was a member of the Order of the Coif and Moot Court Board.

Daniel Stanton practices in the admiralty, maritime , and energy law practice groups. Prior to law school, Daniel worked as a commercial property and casualty insurance producer in Northwest Florida where he helped businesses manage liability and property risks through a variety of insurance vehicles. He is listed as a Rising Star in Louisiana Super Lawyers 2018 - 2020 and 2023. Daniel earned his B.B.A. from Mississippi State University in 2007. He earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 2013, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Maritime Law Journal, President of the Maritime Law...

JOHN R. WALKER is a Partner in SBSB's Houston office. For the past almost twenty-five years, it has been my privilege to represent insurance and employer interests focusing on the defense of claims brought under the Longshore and Harbor Act, the Defense Base (DBA), the Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) Instrumentalities Act, the Jones Act, and General Maritime and Admiralty Law. Additionally, John also has extensive experience in First Party Insurance Defense matters, representing employers, insurance carriers, and third parties in State, Federal and Appellate courts. Prior to joining the firm, John handled First Party Insurance Defense,...

David Kervin is the founding member of Kervin Law, LLC, a personal injury law firm. He handles personal injury cases such as car and truck wrecks, 18 wheeler accidents, defective products, mass torts, class actions, nursing home neglect and other areas where people were injured through the fault of another.

Jason is one of the nation's top trial lawyers for one reason: when he represents a client, he's all in. No matter how tough the fight. No matter how big the challenge. When it matters most, he's there for people who have been wronged. He takes every case personally, treating each client like family while he fights to rebuild their lives.

When people need to win, they call Jason. He's won several verdicts and settlements worth more than $100 million, dozens of results worth more than $10 million, and more than 200 results worth $1 million or more. In total,...

Tom's practice focuses on personal injury and criminal defense litigation in all Federal and State Courts. He has successfully taken on big corporations and local, state and federal governments in personal injury and criminal defense cases. Tom has helped injured clients and their families who have suffered catastrophic personal injuries and tragic wrongful deaths. He has handled a variety of personal injury cases across the state of Louisiana, including maritime and offshore accidents. He also represents individuals accused of violent and non-violent criminal conduct, as well as grand jury investigations and regulatory matters. Tom has...

Hugh Lambert founded The Lambert Firm (now Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso) in 1977 and has since grown the firm to one of the most prestigious and well respected firms in New Orleans, representing individuals and businesses alike in a wide range of legal matters. In addition to his legal representation, Hugh Lambert is a frequent lecturer across the United States on class actions and mass torts. He has also authored and published legal articles. He has held a broad range of leadership positions in many organizations devoted to law, civic and charitable pursuits. He is a member in good...

In 2014, Attorney Kala Sellers joined Arnold & Itkin LLP, bringing a passion for justice, which she pursues with tireless dedication on behalf of each of her clients. As a natural performer who grew up on the stage, Kala applies her skill, composure, and ability to thrive under pressure to the courtroom. Kala majored in Political Science at Duke University, where she received a Certificate in Policy Journalism and Media Studies. While maintaining her studies, she also completed an internship at CNN during a semester in New York City. After graduation, she continued her education at Baylor Law School to...

Glenn Orgeron is of counsel to the New Orleans office of Kean Miller and a Registered Professional Engineer. He practices in the construction and litigation groups. Glenn has over 25 years of experience in complex construction law matters, mold litigation, and product liability litigation in state and federal courts.

Glenn is a Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) in the United States Marine Corps. He has served in a variety of legal positions for the United States Marine Corps, including assignments as Deputy General Counsel, Assistant General Counsel, and General Counsel in wide range of jurisdictions including Hawaii, Japan, the Indian Ocean, Washington, D.C.,...

Karen Waters Shields is a partner in the New Orleans office of Kean Miller. Karen is an experienced litigator with particular experience in a wide variety of admiralty and oil & gas casualty issues, including Jones Act, personal injury, oil and gas exploration, well blowouts, cargo damage, vessel collisions, vessel damage, platform damage and barge damage. Her experience with oil and gas casualties is both offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and on land. Karen also has experience in construction law, consumer credit reporting, products liability, and general personal injury litigation. Following law school, she served for one year as...

Attorney Caj Boatright grew up in Sweetwater, a small town in west Texas. He attended Southwestern University of Georgetown, and graduated cum laude with Honors as a double major in Political Science and History. He earned his J.D. from the University of Texas Law School, where he also met and became friends with Kurt Arnold and Jason Itkin. Following law school, Attorney Boatright worked for the largest firm in Fort Worth, where he handled cases related to all types of litigation and appellate matters. In 2006, he joined Kurt and Jason at their small firm, Arnold & Itkin...

Attorney Mark Glago graduated from the University of Richmond in Virginia with Phi Beta Kappa honors, having triple-majored in Political Science, Speech and Sociology. He was the University’s Rhodes Scholar nominee and received the “Most Outstanding Graduate” award. At the Tulane University School of Law, he was Managing Editor of the Tulane Law Review and again graduated with honors. Over the past 17 years, Mr. Glago has handled over 2,500 cases and been the “first-chair” lawyer for over 160 trials in Louisiana courts. He has built a respected, full-service law firm devoted to recovering compensation for clients in a range...

Attorney Noah Wexler is a highly experienced trial lawyer who has handled tens of thousands of cases in the past decade. Due to his commitment to his clients, keen skills in preparing for trials, attention to detail, and his ability to identify strategies that force insurers and negligent companies to pay maximum compensation, Noah has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars. While he is highly skilled in various areas of personal injury law, he focuses the majority of his work handling catastrophic truck accident cases, pharmaceutical cases, complex product liability cases, wrongful death cases, and catastrophic offshore injury cases throughout...

A graduate of Tulane University School of Law, an avid gardener, and a history buff, Louis lives in New Orleans, Louisiana. He enjoys speaking French and is an advocate for French language and culture in Louisiana. Bringing more than 50 years of legal experience to the table, Louis R. Koerner, Jr. can assist you with complex litigation and appeals related to maritime and personal injury cases. Certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization.

Jim Silverstein practices in the areas of admiralty and maritime, products liability, energy, construction and environmental law.

Jim has extensive litigation experience, and has successfully defended clients in cases involving various aspects of maritime, admiralty, energy, and oil and gas law. He also maintains an active practice successfully defending manufacturers in product liability cases. He has defended cases involving numerous products, including ladders, electrical motors, fans, table saws, radial arm saws, planers, power tools, cranes and pumps. He has also successfully defended and prosecuted cases in the commercial litigation field.

Jim is an accomplished trial lawyer and is listed in Louisiana Super...

Christopher L. Williams focuses his practice on complex employment litigation, including cases involving violations of wage-and-hour laws, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, unpaid wages, breach of contract, whistleblower claims, and non-compete issues. After working for some of the nation’s largest labor-and-employment law firms, he opened his own practice in 2014 to concentrate on protecting the rights of workers and employees. Mr. Williams draws on his previous experience representing employers to provide legal advice to individuals regarding potential claims and legal remedies under state and federal employment laws. Mr. Williams has litigated a wide variety of employment issues in...

Tod Everage is a partner in the New Orleans office of Kean Miller. He joined the firm in 2011 and practices in the Offshore Energy and Maritime Litigation Practice Group. Tod’s practice primarily involves representing oil and gas operators (offshore, midstream, and onshore) and their service providers and contractors in litigation in both state and federal courts. Tod has gained extensive experience representing vessel owners, shipyards, and diesel engine service providers in warranty claims. Tod’s practice also includes assisting clients in contract review, drafting, negotiations, transactional disputes, and general corporate advices. Tod has tried several cases to verdict as well...

Amanda Howard Lowe is a partner in the New Orleans office of Kean Miller. She joined the firm in 2009 and practices in the admiralty and maritime, energy and corporate litigation groups. Amanda has considerable experience in a wide variety of admiralty issues, including Jones Act and personal injury defense, maritime litigation, oil and gas exploration, drilling accidents, well blowouts, cargo damage, ship collisions, ship allusions, vessel groundings, lift board and jack-up rig accidents, vessel mortgage filings, product liability, redhibition, as well as premises liability, construction defect litigation and general personal injury litigation. Amanda's experience also includes assisting clients in...

Peyton Murphy is a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After completing his undergraduate study at Louisiana State University in 1988, Peyton P. Murphy was immediately admitted to law school. He received his Juris Doctorate from Tulane Law School in 1991. Peyton P. Murphy was admitted to the Connecticut State Bar and the Louisiana State Bar in 1992 and 1993, respectively. Mr. Murphy is also licensed in the Western, Middle and Eastern District of the Federal U.S. District Courts in Louisiana as well as the United States Supreme Court. Peyton P. Murphy is an active member of the Baton Rouge Bar Association...