Darryl primarily practices in areas of toxic tort and environmental law, representing defendants in asbestos litigation in Louisiana and other states. He also practices general insurance defense, particularly first party claims for disability and life insurance benefits.
Darryl has successfully obtained multiple defense jury verdicts in favor of Monsanto, including a six week jury trial involving six plaintiffs claiming asbestos related disease from working in a paper mill, and a trial of neighborhood residents alleging physical and emotional damages as a result of a gas release where the company stipulated to negligence but contested causation and damages. He has also represented Pan-American Insurance Company in a case where over 1000 plaintiffs sought class-action status for personal injury claims arising out of a release of toxic chemicals, resulting in the reversal of class certification in Fourth Circuit, after Trial Court certified a class. No predominance or superiority was found, and Louisiana Supreme Court denied writs. Prior to joining Bradley Murchison, Darryl served as Law Clerk to Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John A. Dixon, Jr. (1975-1976).
George Adams, et al v Monsanto Co., et al, no. 2002-32, Circuit Court for Little River County, Arkansas. Six week jury trial in Ashdown, Arkansas involving six plaintiffs alleging asbestos related disease from exposure to asbestos containing products at a paper mill. Monsanto was one of only four defendants to go to trial. Defense verdict as to all plaintiffs.
Minnie Robertson, et al v. Monsanto Co., no 04-995, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana. Trial of Bellweather plaintiffs (neighboring residents) alleging physical and emotional damages as a result of a release of synthesis gas at Monsanto’s Luling plant. The company stipulated to negligence and contested causation and damages. After the jury heard various experts, including air modeler, industrial hygienist, toxicologist and internist, they returned a complete defense verdict. Subsequently, the Court granted summary judgment on the remaining plaintiffs’ claims.
Buddy Graver, et al v. Monsanto Co., no. 45965, 29th Judicial District Court, Parish of St. Charles. Suit by 120 plus retired employees for hearing loss. After getting the claims of 123 dismissed before trial on statute of limitation grounds, see Graver v Monsanto Co., 01-C-55 ( La. App. 5 Cir. 1/19/2001) trial on the claims of the six original plaintiffs proceeded before the district judge. After plaintiffs presented their case, Monsanto moved for and was granted a judgment of dismissal with prejudice.
Sonya Turner, et al v. Pan-American Life Insurance Company, no. 04-450, United States District Court, Middle District of Louisiana. Suit by participants of a 401(k) plan alleging breach of ERISA fiduciary duties by Pan-American. After the trial court denied class certification, the case proceeded to trial on the named plaintiffs’ claims. After the presentation of the evidence and post-trial briefing, the Court rendered judgment in favor of Pan-American, finding no breach of any ERISA duty.
John Martinez, et al v. Monsanto Co., no 04-3250, Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans. Suit by husband and wife lab employees alleging each contracted thyroid cancer due to exposure to PCBs. Acting in concert with Monsanto’s national council for PCB litigation, we obtained a summary judgment in the client’s favor.
The Best Lawyers in America ©, New Orleans, LA – Insurance Law, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions-Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, since 2010
Selected as a “Top Lawyer” in New Orleans by New Orleans Magazine for Product Liability Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions, 2019 – 2022
Martindale Hubbell ® AV Preeminent ® Peer Review Rating, http://www.martindale.com/ratings
“Professionalism” LADC Winter Seminar, 2018
“Professionalism” LADC Winter Seminar, 2019
