Personal Injury Legal Update
Louisiana recently amended its Direct Action Statute, which affects when injured persons can name an insurance company as a defendant in a lawsuit. Under the revised law, accident victims generally may no longer directly sue the at‑fault party’s insurer unless specific exceptions apply, such as bankruptcy, denial of coverage, or uninsured/underinsured motorist claims. This is…
Jim Rather Teaches Class to Apartment Professionals
On March 6, 2026, Jim Rather presented a class to the Southwest Louisiana Apartment Association, updating its property management professionals on recent legislation, state and federal Fair Housing laws and Louisiana landlord-tenant law.
March 2, 2026 Client Review
“James Rather and the team at his firm were the silver lining on the clouds of the darkness we faced while dealing with our case. From our first meeting, Jim was attentive, genuine, and displayed a compassionate, caring spirit. His knowledge and professionalism were a great comfort to us, and he always kept us informed…
Barber Brothers Contracting Co., LLC v. Capitol City Produce Co., LLC
In a recent decision, Barber Brothers Contracting Co., LLC v. Capitol City Produce Co., LLC, the Louisiana Supreme Court reaffirmed the important role juries play in evaluating the facts in personal injury cases involving catastrophic injuries. The case arose from a serious motor vehicle collision that left a commercial driver with traumatic brain injuries and…
Louisiana Extends Deadline to File Certain Personal Injury and Damage Claims
Louisiana law recently changed in a way that directly impacts claims involving accidents, personal injuries and other claims for damages. As of July 1, 2024, most personal injury and damage claims have a two‑year filing deadline or prescriptive period, instead of the former one‑year deadline. Under Act 423 of the 2024 Legislative Session, Louisiana Civil…
Angelica v. Wilkerson
In Angelica v. Wilkerson, et al, a wrongful death and survival case arising out of a vehicle-pedestrian accident in Metairie, Jim Rather and Mike Alker won at the Louisiana 5th Circuit Court of Appeal on April 9, 2025, obtaining a ruling which reversed the trial court’s judgment and awarded damages to their client of nearly…
Update Regarding DOJ Final Rule: 28 CFR Part 42
For multi-family owners whose portfolios include properties with LIHTC, PBV or Section 8 units, or those with federally backed mortgages, there is a significant regulatory update from the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. On December 10, 2025, the DOJ published this Final Rule that amends its…
Alexander v. Crossings I, LLC, 25-446 (La.App. 5 Cir. 12/2/25)
In Alexander, a case involving alleged mold exposure in an apartment community, the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Cout of Appeal granted a Writ Application Jim Rather filed on behalf of his client, reversing, in part, the trial Court’s denial of its Exceptions of No Right of Action and Cause of Action.
January 14, 2026- Mike Alker & Jim Rather Prevail in Federal Court Jury Trial
Representing Houston’s Restaurant in a personal injury lawsuit, Mike Alker and Jim Rather secure a victory for their client in a Federal Court jury trial.
Jim Rather named a Thompson Reuters 2026 SuperLawyer
Alker & Rather is pleased to announce that Thompson Reuters named Jim Rather a 2026 SuperLawyer. James C. Rather, Jr. Rated by Super Lawyers loading …