Latest Legal News | The New Orleans Legal Examiner

New NIH Kratom Study Could Advance Opioid Addiction Research, But Safety Questions Remain

The NIH has cleared the way for the first human trial of a purified kratom compound for opioid use disorder. But what does the announcement mean for consumers, Louisiana's kratom ban, and ongoing safety concerns?

By Jed Cain

/ 17 Jun 2026

Two female and one male researchers working together in a lab with viles, a computer screen and other testing equipment.

Louisiana Families Urged to Take Water Safety Seriously This Summer

As Louisiana families enjoy pools, lakes, rivers, and Gulf beaches this summer, experts warn that drowning and near-drowning incidents can happen quickly. Learn water safety tips and how negligence may contribute to preventable tragedies.

By New Orleans Legal Examiner

/ 8 Jun 2026

View from behind a group of kids jumping into a lake from a dock.

Why Hurricanes Are Driving Up Louisiana Homeowners Insurance Costs

As hurricane season begins, Louisiana homeowners face more than just storm risks. Rising insurance premiums, larger deductibles, and shrinking coverage are creating what some call a growing “hurricane tax.”

By Jed Cain

/ 1 Jun 2026

Insurance agent holding an insurance policy and consulting with a customer before signing the policy form.

Louisiana Electrocution and Power Line Accidents Highlight Risks During National Electrical Safety Month

Recent electrical accident investigations have raised concerns about storm recovery work, industrial job sites, and other high-risk environments where overlooked safety hazards can lead to catastrophic injuries.

By Jed Cain

/ 14 May 2026

Electrical worker on a ladder fixing electrical lines with the sun setting.

Offshore Drilling Policy Changes Raise New Safety Questions for Gulf Workers

Offshore drilling policy changes are raising new safety concerns in the Gulf. This article explains how increased production and shifting regulations impact worker safety, common causes of offshore injuries, and the legal rights available to injured workers.

By Jed Cain

/ 4 May 2026

Supply boats coming and going from an oil and gas drilling platform in Gulf waters.

Kratom Poisonings Surge as Louisiana Ban Raises Safety Questions

Kratom poisonings continue to rise nationwide, with most deaths tied to multiple substances. Months after Louisiana’s ban, new questions are emerging about its impact and ongoing risks.

By Jed Cain

/ 23 Apr 2026

Black and white image of a man's hand holding a variety of multi-colored pills.

AI Deepfake Abuse in Schools Leads to New Louisiana Legislation

A Louisiana middle school deepfake case has sparked new legislation targeting AI-generated child sexual abuse material, as lawmakers push stricter penalties and stronger protections for victims.

By Jed Cain

/ 9 Apr 2026

Teens standng in a group using their phones which are different colors.

Lineman Injured in Louisiana Highlights Dangers of Power Line Repairs After a Storm

A Louisiana lineman suffered severe electrical burns while repairing power lines damaged by a winter storm, highlighting the dangerous conditions lineworkers face during storm recovery and the serious risks of electrocution and electrical injuries.

By Jed Cain

/ 10 Mar 2026

Two electrical line workers repairing powerlines.

Fiery Crash Shuts Down I-49 in Natchitoches: What Drivers Should Know About “Sitting Duck” Truck Crashes

A deadly I-49 crash in Natchitoches Parish is raising concerns about “sitting duck” truck accidents. In this interview, attorney Jed Cain explains the dangers posed by parked semi-trucks, Louisiana's shoulder parking laws, and how liability is evaluated after serious interstate trucking collisions.

By New Orleans Legal Examiner

/ 4 Mar 2026

A large tractor-trailer truck parked on the side of the highway next to a no parking sign.

2026 Law Changes Bring Major Shifts to Louisiana Personal Injury Litigation

New Louisiana laws that took effect January 1, 2026, change comparative fault standards and limit recoverable medical expenses in personal injury cases, potentially affecting car accident, wrongful death, and other civil claims across the state.

By Jed Cain

/ 2 Mar 2026

Louisiana state flag with scales of justice on top of legal book with gavel.

What the Swiss Bar Fire Reveals About Burn Injuries, Safety, and Liability

A deadly bar fire in Switzerland raises urgent questions about public safety, burn injuries, and who may be held responsible when preventable fire hazards lead to tragedy.

By Jed Cain

/ 6 Jan 2026

Fire truck with emergency lights racing to the scene of a fire on a city street.

Gulf Oil Lease Lawsuit Raises Questions for Offshore Workers

A federal lawsuit aims to halt a massive Gulf oil lease sale. While the case centers on environmental review, the article explores how expanded drilling could affect offshore workers.

By Jed Cain

/ 5 Dec 2025

Dark ominous storm cloud with distant rain over the ocean with an offshore oil derrick drilling rig pump in the distance.