From 1987 to 1993, Mr. Blackwell defended numerous Fortune 500 and organizational clients in state and federal courts in Louisiana related to occupational diseases
Since 1988, Mr. Blackwell has represented teachers and educational support personnel in all types of issues related to their employment
Since 1993, Mr. Blackwell has represented individuals in all types of claims related to their employment, including:
claims of discrimination (age, sex and disability) claims of work-related injury claims of occupational disease (mesothelioma, lung cancer, other asbestos-related cancer, asbestosis, noise induced hearing loss and benzene) workers'compensation claims
Significant Trial Results:
Mr. Blackwell has successfully tried employment-related cases in Louisiana and Texas. The following represents only some of the cases that he has tried:
Joseph A. Thomas, et al versus A.P. Green Industries, Inc., et al No. 2000-3410, Civil District Court, Orleans Parish, Louisiana Claim: Lung cancer related to asbestos exposure Opposing Party: Entergy Louisiana, Inc. Date: September 7, 2004 Gross Award: $6,000,000
Award amended to $4,250,000 and affirmed. Thomas v. A.P. Green Industries, Inc., No. 2005 CA 1064 (La. App. 4th Cir. 05/31/2006).
Sam P. Burnett, et al versus The Dow Chemical Company No. 2001-36408, 269th Judicial District Court, Harris County, Texas Claim: Mesothelioma related to asbestos exposure Opposing Party: The Dow Chemical Company Date: May 30, 2003 Gross Award: $11,503,464.92
Alvin A. Hebert, Sr., et ux versus Anco Insulations, Inc., et al No. 51,810, 18th Judicial District Court, Iberville Parish, Louisiana Claim: Mesothelioma related to asbestos exposure Opposing Party: The Dow Chemical Company Date: November 19, 1999 Gross Award: $2,500,000
Timothy J. Mills v. Storer Equipment Company No. 94-CA-2116, United States District Court, Western District of Louisiana Claim: Disability discrimination Opposing Party: Storer Equipment Company Date: September 15, 1995 Gross Award: $66,524.75
Myrtle Fullilove versus Beaird Industries, Inc. No. 93-CA-0896, United States District Court Western District of Louisiana Claim: Age and sex discrimination Opposing Party: Beaird Industries, Inc. Date: October 4, 1994 Gross Award: $103,127.85
Significant Settlements:
In addition to these verdicts, Mr. Blackwell's efforts have helped bring about large settlements of asbestos and other cases throughout his legal career. Examples of some of those recent settlements include:
Over $2.4 million for an insulator diagnosed with mesothelioma
Over $1.8 million for the housewife of a heavy equipment operator diagnosed with mesothelioma
Over $1.75 million for a paper mill engineer diagnosed with mesothelioma
Over $1.6 million for paper mill welder diagnosed with mesothelioma
Over $1.25 million for a chemical plant pipefitter diagnosed with mesothelioma
Over $900,000 for an oil filed worker diagnosed with mesothelioma
Over $850,000 for the grandson of a refinery worker diagnosed with mesothelioma
Over $800,000 for the housewife of a chemical plant engineer diagnosed with mesothelioma
$500,000 for a worker at a racetrack for disability discrimination
Over $250,000 for a petrochemical plant pipefitter diagnosed with asbestosis
Over $200,000 for a heavy equipment operator with asbestosis
Since 2002, the lawyers at Blackwell & Associates have collected over $32.5 million in settlement funds for their clients.
Reported Decisions:
Mr. Blackwell has been involved in numerous cases that resulted in decisions that were published by the Louisiana Supreme Court, Louisiana Courts of Appeal, the United States Court of Appeal for the Fifth Circuit, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
These decisions, a number of which are listed below, have significantly shaped the law in Louisiana in favor of Mr. Blackwell's clients: