Shreveport Attorneys
James CarterManaging Partner
James Carter
Partner/Managing Partner Trials & Mass Torts.
James Carter is an accomplished attorney, educator, statesman and author. He is the Managing Partner of The Cochran Firm Trials and Mass Torts and has dedicated his life to uplifting others. He often states that he could never thank God enough for his parents who gave him a solid foundation. Mr. Carter has tried to verdict, settled, and been associated with multiple high value cases ranging from $1,000,000.00 to mor than $70,000,000.00. His skillfully aggressive approach to the civil jury trial world gained him elite memberships into the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Operating regularly as lead trial counsel when there are millions of dollars on the line, law firms throughout the United States hire Mr. Carter to try cases with their teams. For his accomplishments as an attorney and public servant, Grambling State University awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Laws. Mr. Carter is admitted to practice in all Louisiana state courts, all Louisiana United States District Courts, the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals as well as the United States Supreme Court. He is a member of the Louisiana Bar Association, Louisiana Association for Justice Board of Governors, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, The National Black Lawyers Top 100 and Mass Tort Top 25 Trial Lawyers. He received a prized certification in Mass Tort Multi-District Litigation from the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke University School of Law. Advancing quality education is an important part of James Carter’s life. He is a Civil Trial Litigation Adjunct Professor at Howard University School of Law and sits on its Board of Visitors. In fact, the great Johnnie Cochran’s inspirational book titled A Lawyer’s Life is required reading for the Developing a High-End Civil Trial Practice course Mr. Carter teaches. He also served as an Adjunct Trial Advocacy Professor at the Tulane University School of Law. He serves as faculty for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and the National Bar Association-Civil Trial Advocacy Boot Camp Program. Mr. Carter is Vice-Chairman of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors (ULS)-the body that provides policy guidance and fiscal oversight for nine public universities in Louisiana. One of his crowning achievements on the ULS board is the establishment of the Reginald F. Lewis Educational Equity Initiative. He is a participant in a multi-year study of leadership in divided communities at the University of Oxford (Oxford, England) Centre for the Resolution of Intractable Conflict. Mr. Carter has lectured in Europe, Canada, Panama, Jamaica and across the United States. He participated in the government of France Foreign Visitors Program to foster cultural understanding. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005, he chose to take part in the rebuilding of his beloved community and city. He was elected as the second African American to serve as a New Orleans City Councilman in District C and on the first New Orleans City Council seated after the storm in 2006. As Chairman of the newly created City Council Criminal Justice Committee, he played the lead legislative criminal justice reform role in establishing the first City Charter mandated Division of the Independent Police Monitor (IPM). The IPM was created to protect citizens from police brutality and misconduct. He also ushered in the VERA Institute of Justice alternatives to incarceration initiative, Ceasefire program, Court Watch NOLA and legal protections for the Mardi Gras Indian Culture. From 2010 to 2012, James Carter had the honor to serve as a Fellow with the VERA Institute of Justice. Due to his exceptional reputation for implementing progressive criminal justice reform, in 2011, he was selected to serve as the first African-American Criminal Justice Commissioner in New Orleans’ history. Mr. Carter’s visionary criminal justice leadership is credited with positively transforming the justice system in New Orleans and materially causing sustained reductions in the murder rate. Mr. Carter is a philanthropist who gives so much to so many and donates his time to important causes. More recently, he established an endowed scholarship fund to benefit students who aspire to become lawyers. He also serves on the boards of the Multi-Cultural Media Correspondence Association, Common Good New Orleans and the internationally renowned New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, where he studied Theater. Moreover, Mr. Carter has served on the boards of the Urban League of New Orleans, Family Services of Greater New Orleans, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Second Harvest Food Bank and Greater New Orleans, Inc. James Carter has received multiple accolades and honors. He was given the VERA Institute Justice Award in 2009, Leadership Award-Bureau of Consular Affairs, Crime Coalition Distinguished Leadership Proclamation, Institute for Social Justice Award, Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana Award, Ebonetworks Changing Faces Award and the French Quarter Business Women-Darling Heart Award. In 2012 and 2016, New Orleans City Business Magazine recognized James Carter as a Leader in Law. Moreover, his historic alma mater McDonough #35 College Preparatory Senior High School inducted him into its Wall of Fame. James is married to Rene Carter who was recognized in 2016 by the Louisiana Department of Education as the Middle School Principle of the Year. They have one child, Brice Carter.Areas of Practice
- Catastrophic Personal Injury
- Complex Commercial Litigation
- Products Liability
- Maritime
- Premises Liability
- Mesothelioma/Asbestos
- Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer
- Vaginal Mesh
- Opioid Litigation
Admitted to Practice
- All Louisiana Courts
- U.S.D.C. - Eastern District of Louisiana
- U.S.D.C. - Middle District of Louisiana
- U.S.D.C. - Western District of Louisiana
- U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal
- United States Supreme Court
Education
- Howard University School of Law (J.D.) – 1997 Washington D.C.
- Howard University (B.A.) – 1991 Washington D.C.
- McDonogh #35 College Preparatory Senior HighSchool – 1987
- New Orleans Center for the Creave Arts (Theater) - 1987
Presentations
- Mastering Art, Science & Craft of Advocacy Program, Faculty Member, National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA), New Orleans, Louisiana (January 24-25, 2019)
- Developing a High-End Civil Trial Practice, A Challenge in Diversity (CLE Seminar), 2019 National Bar Association Panama Mid-Winter Conference, Joint session with Judges and Attorneys, Panama City, Panama (January 19, 2019)
- Constitution Day Speaker, Grambling State University, Grambling, Louisiana (September 18, 2018)
- Law and Order, Atlanta Association of Insurance Professionals, 30th Anniversary Symposium and Luncheon, Atlanta, Georgia (August 16, 2018)
- GET INTO FOCUS, Making Money Moves, Increase Settlement Amounts and Improve Trial Results Using Focus Groups, 2018 National Bar Association Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana (August 1, 2018)
- A Change is Going to Come; The Wall Street Case for Diversity and Inclusion in 2018 (CLE Seminar), National Bar Association 93rd Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana (August 1, 2018)
- Civil Litigation, Benefits of Having Diversity in Civil Jury Practice, LJC/NBA Annual Meeting and CLE Seminar 2018, "Advancing Judicial Competency", Baton Rouge, Louisiana (February 16, 2018)
- Effective Opening and Closing Arguments, Lemoyne-Owen College, Memphis, Tennessee (February 7, 2018).
- Trial Advocacy (CLE Seminar) Jackson Barracks, Headquarters of Louisiana National Guard, New Orleans, Louisiana (June 2, 2018)
- Effective Closing Arguments, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (April 11, 2018)
- Developing a High End Civil Trial Practice - Howard University School of Law, Washington, D.C. (October 6-8, 2017 and October 5-7, 2018)
- Across Racial Lines: Transforming a City after a Natural Disaster – University of Oxford -Harris Manchester College, Annual Conference, Oxford, England (September 27, 2017)
- Get Into Focus: Increase Settlement Amounts and Improve Trial Results Using Focus Groups - National Bar Association Convention, Toronto, Canada (August 2, 2017)
- Ideological Passion v. Principled Pragmatism: Bridging the Racial Divide in Urban America, Unity Church-Unitarian, St. Paul, Minnesota (November 14, 2015)
Awards and Honors
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Civil Plaintiff
- Mass Tort TOP 25 Trial Lawyers
- Trucking TOP 10 Trial Lawyers
- Honorary Doctor of Laws degree, Grambling State University
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- The National Black Lawyers Top 100
- New Orleans City Business Magazine, Leadership in Law Award, 2016 and 2012 Read more
- Leadership Award, Bureau of Consular Affairs
- VERA Institute of Justice, Award
- Crime Coalition, Distinguished Leader Proclamation
- Institute for Social Justice, Inc., Award
- Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana, Justice for Youth Award
- Ebonetworks, Changing Faces Award
- French Quarter Business Women Association, Darling Heart Award
Boards and Affiliations
- Howard University School of Law Board of Visitors, Board Member
- New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, Board Member
- Multicultural Media Correspondence Association, Advisory Board
- University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, Board Member
- Louisiana Association for Justice, Board of Governors
- Common Good New Orleans, Board Member
- Police and Justice Foundation Board, Board Member
Publications
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- Danette O'Neal & James J. Carter, Money Matters 101: A Smart Money Guide for 18 and Beyond (2017)
- James Carter, Benefits of Having Diversity in Your Jury Trial Practice, LAJ (2013)
Jeffrey A. MitchellPartner
Jeffrey Mitchell
Born in Mobile, Alabama Jeff Mitchell graduated from Louisiana State University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He attended Louisiana State University, The Paul M. Herbert, School of Law from which he obtained his Juris Doctor Degree in 1989.
Jeff has focused his practice primarily in the areas of Traumatic Brain Injuries and Medical Malpractice. Jeff is one of approximately 13 lawyers in Louisiana to be Board Certified in Medical Malpractice by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys. Jeff also handles cases in the areas of Automobile Accidents, Products Liability, Premises Li ability and Maritime Law.
Mr. Mitchell was featured in the April 23, 2012 edition of Newsweek Magazine as one of the Nationwide Leading Attorneys in Medical Malpractice. Only 19 attorneys nationwide were featured overall and only 11 were featured in the area of medical malpractice. Mr. Mitchell was also selected for inclusion in the 2012-2019 editions of The Best Lawyers in America. Selection to Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey comprising more than 3.9 million confidential evaluations by top attorneys. Mr. Mitchell was also selected for inclusion in the 2012-2010 editions of Louisiana Super Lawyers in the area of medical malpractice. Only 5 percent of the attorneys in the State of Louisiana are named to the very prestigious list. Mr. Mitchell’s law firm, The Cochran Firm- Metairie was a recipient of the 2014-2016 Litigator Awards, which honors the top 1% of lawyers in this country. The awards are based on actual “Verdict & Settlement” dollar achievement rather than peer popularity making them perhaps the most rigorous and openly judged Award Ratings.
Mr. Mitchell was hand-picked by Mr. Cochran to serve as the Chairman of the Medical Malpractice Section of The Cochran Firm; Mr. Mitchell has served as the President of the National Brain Injury Trial Lawyers. Mr. Mitchell has authored numerous articles and appeared frequently as a lecturer at legal seminars on the topics of Medical Malpractice and Traumatic Brain Injuries.
HONROS & AWARDS
- AV Rating, Martindale - Hubbell
- National Finalist, Leading Lawyers in America, Law Dragon’s Annual Guide
- Leadership in Law Award, 2010
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, 2007 – 2010
- Top Lawyers in Medical Malpractice, New Orleans Magazine, 2009
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
- Louisiana Bar Association
- American College of Barristers
- Louisiana Association for Justice, Medical Malpractice Section
- National Trial Lawyers
EDUCATION
- B. S . – Louisiana State University
- J.D. – Louisiana State University Paul M. Herbert School of Law
BAR ADMISSIONS
- Louisiana
- Louisiana Supreme Court
- United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- Unites States Court of Federal Claims
Monica SanchezAttorney
Monica Sanchez
Monica del Carmen Sanchez was born in Panama, Republic of Panama and is fluent in English and Spanish. She graduated in three years from Ohio University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and another in Political Science. She attended Loyola University School of Law from which she obtained her Juris Doctor degree in 1998. In 2003, Monica obtained a L.L.M. (Master of Law) degree in International and Comparative Law from Tulane University Law School.
Monica has more than twenty years of experience practicing law in the area of personal injury. She has represented victims of automobile accidents, medical malpractice, products liability, premises liability and other forms of personal injuries. Monica was part of a trial team that obtained a $6 million verdict for a physi cian who slipped and fell. She also obtained a $4.6 million verdict for a mild traumatic brain injury suffered by a truck driver who was struck in the head with a board during the unloading of his truck.
Monica has served as the Vice President of the Lo uisiana Hispanic Lawyers Association. In 2010, she was unanimously elected to the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana. She is a frequent lecturer on legal topics and in 2009 was invited to appear before the Louisiana Legi slature to provide testimony on a bill relating to interpreters for legal cases.
HONORS & AWARDS
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- Hispanic National Bar Association’s Top Lawyers Under 40 Award, 2010
- Pro Bono Publico Award, Louisiana State Bar Association, 2010
- Leadership in Law Award , New Orleans City Business Magazine, 2009 – 2010
- Women of the Year Award, 2009
- Top 5 Latina Entrepreneurs in the City of New Orleans, El Tiempo Magazine
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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
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- Louisiana Bar Association
- Louisiana Hispanic Lawyers Association
- Hispanic C hamber of Commerce of Louisiana
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EDUCATION
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- B. A . – Ohio University
- J.D. – Loyola School of Law
- L.L.M. – Tulane University School of Law
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BAR ADMISSIONS
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- Louisiana
- Louisiana Supreme Court
- United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
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Richard Ely, Jr.Attorney
Richard Ely
Richard Ely, Jr. is a lifelong resident of New Orleans, Louisiana and has been a practicing attorney since 1998. His practice primarily includes handling complex severe personal injury cases, including traumatic brain injuries and trucking accidents. He has previously represented some of the largest insurers in first party and third - party claims and has vast experience with wrongful death and serious injury claims. He has also assisted clients with emergency response plans to catastrophic loss accidents.
A graduate of Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, Richard earned Moot Court honors and served as Vice President of Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity and was President of the Entertainment Section of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society.
Richard ElyPROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
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- Louisiana Bar Association
- Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
- New Orleans Bar Association
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EDUCATION
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- J.D. – Loyola School of Law , Moot Court Honors
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BAR ADMISSIONS
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- Louisiana
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Hugo ChanezAttorney
Hugo Chanez
Attorney
Mr. Chanez has focused his practice in the area of medical malpractice, automobile accidents, products liability, premises liability, and maritime law. He is fluent in English and Spanish and is currently learning French. In 2005, Mr. Chanez earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Tulane University and was a member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society, the Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Association, and the Pi Alpha Beta National History Honor Society. In 2009, he earned his Ju ris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law where he graduated with honors. In 2010, he earned his Masters of Law (L.L.M.) with Merit Honors from Queen Mary University in London, UK with a specialization in Antitrust Law.HONORS & AWARDS
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- Frank Deutschmann Award
- Police Jury Association Award
- Law Excellence Award
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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
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- Hispanic National Bar Association
- Hispanic Lawyers Association of Louisiana
- Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana
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EDUCATION
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- B.A. – Tulane Univers ity
- J.D. – Loyola College of Law , with Honors
- L.L.M. – Queen Mary University, London, UK, with Merit Honors
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BAR ADMISSIONS
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- Louisiana
- Louisiana Supreme Court
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AUTHORS
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- Towards the Creation of a Federal Value Policy Law , 10 LOY. J. PUB. INT. L. 111, 2008
- Why the Rule of Law Matters, Louisiana Rule of Law Conference, 2008
- A libertarian Theology Approach to Latin American Competition Policy , Global Antitrust Review
- The interdisciplinary Centre for Competition Law and Policy , Global Antitrust Review, Editor
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About Our Shreveport, Louisiana Office
As the representative office in the birthplace of our historic founder, Johnnie L. Cochran, Cochran Firm – Shreveport is dedicated to upholding the ideals and standards that set our namesake apart. Hard work, preparation, and a commitment to the client is what you can expect when working with us. If you are in need of assistance, please, give us a call.
Practice Areas
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury
Most Traumatic Brain Injuries occur without much evidence of trauma on the outside of the skull. That is why these injuries are referred to as the “invisible Injury” because it is difficult to see and most people who have these injuries appear normal. However, these injuries can be devastating to a person’s ability to work and function normally in life.
That is why you need a team of attorney’s experienced in proving these claims in the courtroom. Specialized experts are necessary to conduct specialized testing to assess the degree of injury a person suffers with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Even mild TBI’s can cause permanent life-long cognitive deficits.
Our team has recovered more than $56 million in verdicts and settlements in just the last 5 years alone. We utilize a team of experts to evaluate and treat our clients for these devastating injuries. Let us bring our proven record of success to your case.
Medical Malpractice
Medical Malpractice
Hospitals are supposed to be places of healing. They’re where you go when you’re hurt or sick and you need the aid of well-educated, highly trained professionals. However, every year nearly 100,000 Americans die as a result of avoidable medical mistakes.Martime Accidents
Maritime Accident
Maritime accidents generally occur on a ship in navigable waters. Crew members who are assigned to a vessel may be considered seamen who are entitled to sue their employer’s for the negligence of their employers under a law called the “Jones Act.” Most employees are only entitled to recover Worker’s Compensation when they get hurt at work due to the negligence of their employers. The Jones Act represents an exception to this rule. There are many complexities involved in maritime accidents. Establishing that a person is in fact a Jones Act seaman under the law can be challenging. And, there are some very old laws that ship owners may try to hide behind to limit the payment of damages to injured seamen. To get around these old law defenses, it may be necessary to show that the involved vessel was “unseaworthy” under the legal definition that applies to these cases. This often involves hiring experts in maritime safety and seaworthiness to establish that a certain condition on a vessel rose to the level of making that vessel unseaworthy. And even if the injured person is not a member of a crew, the general maritime laws can be difficult to navigate. This does not even take into account the difficulty of the medical issues involved from the injuries sustained in a maritime accident. We have experience health care providers (nurse and doctor) on our staff that can help us determine the full extent of injuries that may otherwise seem minimal. Our team has extensive experience and success in handling these cases. We recovered over tens of millions of dollars in these cases. Let us help you if you or a family member has been injured in a maritime accident.Trucking Accident
Trucking Accident
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an auto accident, you need a dedicated attorney on your side. The experienced auto accident lawyers at The Cochran Firm have a proven record of helping victims of injury get maximum compensation. We are here to take your case, fight for your rights, and help you get the justice you are due.Auto Accident
Auto Accident
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an auto accident, you need a dedicated attorney on your side. The experienced auto accident lawyers at The Cochran Firm have a proven record of helping victims of injury get maximum compensation. We are here to take your case, fight for your rights, and help you get the justice you are due.Wrongful Death
Wrongful Death
Coping with the loss of a loved one can be one of the most trying times of your life. When your family member’s death was caused by another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, the grieving process only intensifies In these instances, you may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit and receive the closure and financial compensation to which you and your family are entitled.Premise Liability
Premise Liability
Property owners have certain obligations under local, state and federal laws. While these laws vary, the basic underlying fact of them is similar regardless of where you live: property owners have an obligation to keep their land and the buildings on top of it safe for authorized visitors and those with business there.Electrocution Injuries
Electrocution Injuries
The law imposes a duty of utmost care where someone is directly injured due to the dangerous nature of electricity. An example of such a duty arises when someone is electrocuted by coming into contact with a high voltage line in the possession and control of the defendant utility company. A power company must exercise the utmost care to reduce hazards to life as far as practicable in maintaining and employing high power lines. This includes the duty to inspect its wires and other equipment on a reasonable schedule to discover and correct hazards and defects. If it is reasonably anticipated that persons might come in contact with energized lines, the power company must insulate them, post adequate warning signs, or take other precautions reasonable under the circumstances to prevent injury. These complex cases usually require the expertise of the national and local electrical safety codes. They also usually involve serious, life-threatening and permanent injuries given the high voltage present in most cases. Our team has the resources and experience in handling these cases to help you evaluate the injuries of yourself or a loved one caused by electrocution. This includes both the experience working with experts in the field and medical professionals who diagnose and treat these serious injuries. These experts can be very costly, but are necessary to prove the nature and extent of an electrocution injury which may have effects well beyond the initial injuries. Let us provide a free case review for you or a loved one who has suffered an electrocution injury. If we accept your case, we will not charge a fee unless we obtain a recovery on your behalf.Heat Stroke & Sports Related Injuries
Heat Stroke & Sports Related Injuries
The Centers for Disease Control reports that nearly 7,233 heat-related deaths occurred in the U.S. between the years 1999-2009. Heat Stroke results from a high body temperature, (greater than 103 F) that includes physical and neurological symptoms, including potential unconsciousness. Compared to heat exhaustion, heat stroke is a real medical emergency and life-threatening if not treated. There are numerous high-profile cases involving the death of athletes who suffered heat stroke that went unnoticed due to the unsafe acts and or policies of sports teams. One of the critical contributing factors causing exertional heat stroke is a lack of proper diligence regarding appropriate policies and procedures regarding the prevention, recognition and treatment of heat stroke. This knowledge is critical because it has been shown that complications such as long-term medical issues or death can be completely avoided with immediate recognition and immediate rapid cooling via cold-water immersion. Many factors have been found to be causative with regards to reducing exercise heat intolerance and potentially increasing the risk of exertional heat stroke including without limitation: Intensity of Exercise, Environmental conditions, Acclimatization status, Fitness level, Hydration status to name a few. Given the complexity of the issues involving both the causes and recognition of Heat Stroke, top expert witnesses are required to prove these difficult cases. Our team has extensive experience and resources in these cases. In fact, we previously retained the top expert in the world on this subject to evaluate and testify in one of our heat stroke cases that did not cause a death and resulted in a verdict in excess of $2.5 million. Let our experienced team help you evaluate the issues involved in your case involving Heat Stroke or Sports-Related injury. The consultation is free and if we accept your case, we do not charge a legal fee unless we obtain a recovery on your behalf.Medication Errors
Medication Errors
The Food and Drug Administration estimate that there are 1.3 million medication errors that occur in the U.S. each year. The most common medication errors were wrong dosage and infusion rate. Medical literature reports that as high as 64.55% of nurses have made a medication error. The most common cause of medication errors were using abbreviations instead of full names of drugs and lack of pharmacological knowledge. Since most cases of medication errors are not reported, many of these errors go undetected. Thus, a careful review of the patient’s medical chart and clinical outcome is required when screening a medical malpractice case that may have been caused by a medical error. Sometimes, medication errors are not a result of giving too much of a drug, but rather giving different drugs together that should not be given at the same time due to their adverse side effects. Some medication errors occur when medications are given intravenously when they are supposed to be given orally or vice versa. Establishing an undocumented medication error can be difficult and often requires the expertise of not only doctors, but pharmacologists trained in the effects of medicines. It also requires a thorough and detailed review of the Medication Administration Record to compare it with the physician’s order and the nurse’s notes on how much was actually administered to the patient and by what route (oral, Iv, etc). We have a registered nurse and physician on staff to assist us in the screening and handling of cases involving medication errors. Let us provide you with a free case review to help you determine if you or a loved one was the victim of a medication error.The Cochran Firm Legacy
Welcome to the website of The Cochran Firm, a law firm founded by legendary attorney Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. over four decades ago. With regional offices nationwide, The Cochran Firm is one of the nation’s largest personal injury & medical malpractice law firms with some of the most aggressive personal injury attorneys, known for their tireless and effective legal representation. The Cochran Firm Partners have secured over $35 Billion in verdicts, settlements, and judgments for our clients including but not limited to trucking accidents, personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases.
With a reputation like ours, it’s easy to get swept away with accolades and awards. At The Cochran Firm, though, our experienced and aggressive personal injury attorneys and criminal defense lawyers focus not on praise, but the dedication to handling quality, legal representation for injured people, their families, and the ordinary citizen, as implemented by Johnnie Cochran over four decades ago. Contact us today to speak with an expert criminal defense or personal injury lawyer, and schedule a consultation to discuss your personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death or other case.
James CarterManaging Partner
Jeffrey A. MitchellPartner
Monica SanchezAttorney
Richard Ely, Jr.Attorney
Hugo ChanezAttorney
About Our New Orleans, Louisiana Office
As the representative office in the birthplace of our historic founder, Johnnie L. Cochran, Cochran Firm – Shreveport is dedicated to upholding the ideals and standards that set our namesake apart. Hard work, preparation, and a commitment to the client is what you can expect when working with us. If you are in need of assistance, please, give us a call.
Practice Areas
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury
Most Traumatic Brain Injuries occur without much evidence of trauma on the outside of the skull. That is why these injuries are referred to as the “invisible Injury” because it is difficult to see and most people who have these injuries appear normal. However, these injuries can be devastating to a person’s ability to work and function normally in life.
That is why you need a team of attorney’s experienced in proving these claims in the courtroom. Specialized experts are necessary to conduct specialized testing to assess the degree of injury a person suffers with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Even mild TBI’s can cause permanent life-long cognitive deficits.
Our team has recovered more than $56 million in verdicts and settlements in just the last 5 years alone. We utilize a team of experts to evaluate and treat our clients for these devastating injuries. Let us bring our proven record of success to your case.
Medical Malpractice
Medical Malpractice
Hospitals are supposed to be places of healing. They’re where you go when you’re hurt or sick and you need the aid of well-educated, highly trained professionals. However, every year nearly 100,000 Americans die as a result of avoidable medical mistakes.Martime Accidents
Maritime Accident
Maritime accidents generally occur on a ship in navigable waters. Crew members who are assigned to a vessel may be considered seamen who are entitled to sue their employer’s for the negligence of their employers under a law called the “Jones Act.” Most employees are only entitled to recover Worker’s Compensation when they get hurt at work due to the negligence of their employers. The Jones Act represents an exception to this rule. There are many complexities involved in maritime accidents. Establishing that a person is in fact a Jones Act seaman under the law can be challenging. And, there are some very old laws that ship owners may try to hide behind to limit the payment of damages to injured seamen. To get around these old law defenses, it may be necessary to show that the involved vessel was “unseaworthy” under the legal definition that applies to these cases. This often involves hiring experts in maritime safety and seaworthiness to establish that a certain condition on a vessel rose to the level of making that vessel unseaworthy. And even if the injured person is not a member of a crew, the general maritime laws can be difficult to navigate. This does not even take into account the difficulty of the medical issues involved from the injuries sustained in a maritime accident. We have experience health care providers (nurse and doctor) on our staff that can help us determine the full extent of injuries that may otherwise seem minimal. Our team has extensive experience and success in handling these cases. We recovered over tens of millions of dollars in these cases. Let us help you if you or a family member has been injured in a maritime accident.Trucking Accident
Trucking Accident
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an auto accident, you need a dedicated attorney on your side. The experienced auto accident lawyers at The Cochran Firm have a proven record of helping victims of injury get maximum compensation. We are here to take your case, fight for your rights, and help you get the justice you are due.Auto Accident
Auto Accident
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an auto accident, you need a dedicated attorney on your side. The experienced auto accident lawyers at The Cochran Firm have a proven record of helping victims of injury get maximum compensation. We are here to take your case, fight for your rights, and help you get the justice you are due.Wrongful Death
Wrongful Death
Coping with the loss of a loved one can be one of the most trying times of your life. When your family member’s death was caused by another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, the grieving process only intensifies In these instances, you may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit and receive the closure and financial compensation to which you and your family are entitled.Premise Liability
Premise Liability
Property owners have certain obligations under local, state and federal laws. While these laws vary, the basic underlying fact of them is similar regardless of where you live: property owners have an obligation to keep their land and the buildings on top of it safe for authorized visitors and those with business there.Electrocution Injuries
Electrocution Injuries
The law imposes a duty of utmost care where someone is directly injured due to the dangerous nature of electricity. An example of such a duty arises when someone is electrocuted by coming into contact with a high voltage line in the possession and control of the defendant utility company. A power company must exercise the utmost care to reduce hazards to life as far as practicable in maintaining and employing high power lines. This includes the duty to inspect its wires and other equipment on a reasonable schedule to discover and correct hazards and defects. If it is reasonably anticipated that persons might come in contact with energized lines, the power company must insulate them, post adequate warning signs, or take other precautions reasonable under the circumstances to prevent injury. These complex cases usually require the expertise of the national and local electrical safety codes. They also usually involve serious, life-threatening and permanent injuries given the high voltage present in most cases. Our team has the resources and experience in handling these cases to help you evaluate the injuries of yourself or a loved one caused by electrocution. This includes both the experience working with experts in the field and medical professionals who diagnose and treat these serious injuries. These experts can be very costly, but are necessary to prove the nature and extent of an electrocution injury which may have effects well beyond the initial injuries. Let us provide a free case review for you or a loved one who has suffered an electrocution injury. If we accept your case, we will not charge a fee unless we obtain a recovery on your behalf.Heat Stroke & Sports Related Injuries
Heat Stroke & Sports Related Injuries
The Centers for Disease Control reports that nearly 7,233 heat-related deaths occurred in the U.S. between the years 1999-2009. Heat Stroke results from a high body temperature, (greater than 103 F) that includes physical and neurological symptoms, including potential unconsciousness. Compared to heat exhaustion, heat stroke is a real medical emergency and life-threatening if not treated. There are numerous high-profile cases involving the death of athletes who suffered heat stroke that went unnoticed due to the unsafe acts and or policies of sports teams. One of the critical contributing factors causing exertional heat stroke is a lack of proper diligence regarding appropriate policies and procedures regarding the prevention, recognition and treatment of heat stroke. This knowledge is critical because it has been shown that complications such as long-term medical issues or death can be completely avoided with immediate recognition and immediate rapid cooling via cold-water immersion. Many factors have been found to be causative with regards to reducing exercise heat intolerance and potentially increasing the risk of exertional heat stroke including without limitation: Intensity of Exercise, Environmental conditions, Acclimatization status, Fitness level, Hydration status to name a few. Given the complexity of the issues involving both the causes and recognition of Heat Stroke, top expert witnesses are required to prove these difficult cases. Our team has extensive experience and resources in these cases. In fact, we previously retained the top expert in the world on this subject to evaluate and testify in one of our heat stroke cases that did not cause a death and resulted in a verdict in excess of $2.5 million. Let our experienced team help you evaluate the issues involved in your case involving Heat Stroke or Sports-Related injury. The consultation is free and if we accept your case, we do not charge a legal fee unless we obtain a recovery on your behalf.Medication Errors
Medication Errors
The Food and Drug Administration estimate that there are 1.3 million medication errors that occur in the U.S. each year. The most common medication errors were wrong dosage and infusion rate. Medical literature reports that as high as 64.55% of nurses have made a medication error. The most common cause of medication errors were using abbreviations instead of full names of drugs and lack of pharmacological knowledge. Since most cases of medication errors are not reported, many of these errors go undetected. Thus, a careful review of the patient’s medical chart and clinical outcome is required when screening a medical malpractice case that may have been caused by a medical error. Sometimes, medication errors are not a result of giving too much of a drug, but rather giving different drugs together that should not be given at the same time due to their adverse side effects. Some medication errors occur when medications are given intravenously when they are supposed to be given orally or vice versa. Establishing an undocumented medication error can be difficult and often requires the expertise of not only doctors, but pharmacologists trained in the effects of medicines. It also requires a thorough and detailed review of the Medication Administration Record to compare it with the physician’s order and the nurse’s notes on how much was actually administered to the patient and by what route (oral, Iv, etc). We have a registered nurse and physician on staff to assist us in the screening and handling of cases involving medication errors. Let us provide you with a free case review to help you determine if you or a loved one was the victim of a medication error.The Cochran Firm Legacy
Welcome to the website of The Cochran Firm, a law firm founded by legendary attorney Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. over four decades ago. With regional offices nationwide, The Cochran Firm is one of the nation’s largest personal injury & medical malpractice law firms with some of the most aggressive personal injury attorneys, known for their tireless and effective legal representation. The Cochran Firm Partners have secured over $35 Billion in verdicts, settlements, and judgments for our clients including but not limited to trucking accidents, personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases.
With a reputation like ours, it’s easy to get swept away with accolades and awards. At The Cochran Firm, though, our experienced and aggressive personal injury attorneys and criminal defense lawyers focus not on praise, but the dedication to handling quality, legal representation for injured people, their families, and the ordinary citizen, as implemented by Johnnie Cochran over four decades ago. Contact us today to speak with an expert criminal defense or personal injury lawyer, and schedule a consultation to discuss your personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death or other case.