Baton Rouge Legal Blog

First developed in the 1950s, hernia mesh products have become an accepted method for repairing hernias. However, Louisiana residents should be aware that not all of these products are safe. Many are defective and may lead to long-term injuries and additional surgery. While severe pain is considered only a minor side effect in these cases, the worst complications include bowel obstruction and infection.

Defective hernia mesh products often lead to adhesion, where scar-like tissue bonds with the mesh and gives rise to chronic pain. While mesh products usually have an anti-adhesive coating, this can be quickly dissolved. Bowel obstruction, which may succeed adhesion, causes vomiting, makes the user unable to pass stool and can even cut off blood flow. It is a life-threatening condition.

According to a Consumer Reports study, there is a chance that individuals in Louisiana who use Uber or Lyft are riding in vehicles that have a current recall. The recalls range from the use of Takata airbags to engine defects that could result in a vehicle stalling. Consumer Reports acknowledges that it is unclear if anyone has been injured while in an Uber or Lyft vehicle that has a current recall.

The report analyzed 94,000 vehicles used to provide customers rides in Seattle and New York City. It found that one out of every six Uber or Lyft vehicles were under a recall. Consumer Reports says that these companies should do more to ensure that vehicles are safe to use. It also says that stronger regulations should be enacted as these companies grow and others could potentially enter the market.

Some people in Louisiana may be facing challenging family dynamics while creating an estate plan. Many estate planning advisors suggest that a successful estate plan must have an element of communication with family members. Some people write a letter of intent to go with their estate plan and explain the choices made.

People should avoid creating scenarios with the estate plan that are likely to lead to conflict. One common mistake is making one adult child a trustee. This can put that person in opposition to siblings. A more impartial choice would be a corporate trustee. Some parents may want to disinherit one child entirely, but a better plan might be to leave a small amount to that child. There could be a caveat that challenging the estate plan will mean receiving nothing. Communication within a blended family may be particularly important to explain why children from different relationships may have been treated differently.

Yes, there's something to be said for a Louisiana resident that makes the effort to actually make out a will. It's better to actually have some type of document prepared than to have nothing at all. But a do-it-yourself approach to will prep, like what's commonly available online, could result in some unexpected and potentially costly estate-planning mistakes.

It's estimated that only 4 out of every 10 adults in the U.S. have wills or trusts, so DIY online wills and estate packages can serve a purpose. But there is the possibility of overlooking important documents. Some sites offer a will only for an appealing lower price, even though there are other estate-related tools that can be just as important, like a trust, a financial power of attorney, and an advance healthcare directive. Such documents are usually fill-in-the-blank, which can also be problematic if assistance is needed.