In addition to the intellectual challenge of law, I enjoy working with our clients to develop effective litigation strategies, to evaluate cases at an early stage, to resolve matters early that should be resolved, and to prepare those cases for trial that should be prepared for trial. I like working with our clients to get the results that are appropriate to their situation and desires and to try to bring litigation to the conclusion they seek.
With more than 35 years of trial and complex litigation experience, Arthur “Art” Leith is a go to attorney in Louisiana for petrochemical, construction, toxic tort, and personal injury defense. He has handled cases in state and federal courts (at both trial and appellate levels) in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida as well as arbitration and mediation proceedings.
In addition to chemical, petrochemical, and maritime claims, Art represents insurance companies, insurance brokers, and large corporations in various commercial, toxic tort, and personal injury claims, and has represented insurers in coverage litigation and bad faith claims.
Chemical, Energy and Industrial Services
Art has a wealth of litigation experience in chemical and petrochemical matters. He has handled the legal defense of class actions, property claims, and personal injury claims for petrochemical plants, oil and gas companies, and refineries, in industrial accidents such as:
- Chemical releases and chemical spills
- Environmental litigation
- Explosions
- Fires
- Injured employees or contractors
Construction
Art’s practice includes construction litigation for which he has represented owners, general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and surety companies in a variety of claims involving public and private construction projects. He has handled various claims including:
- Acceleration of performance
- Casualty losses
- Changes in scope
- Deficiencies in performance
- Delay claims
- Lien claims
- Performance and payment bonds
Asbestos and Toxic Torts
Art has defended thousands of asbestos claims in cases in state and federal courts throughout Louisiana and Texas. He has experience defending premises owners of industrial facilities, including chemical and power plants, against claims involving alleged asbestos-related malignancies and non-malignancy including:
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
Many of these claims have been dismissed without payment. Some have been amicably resolved to the client’s satisfaction, and some have been tried to conclusion.
Insurance Defense and Coverage
Art has practiced insurance defense law for more than 35 years, representing insurers, their insureds, and insurance brokers and agents in numerous matters including:
- Coverage Actions
- Bad Faith Claims
- Business Interruption Claims
- Errors and Omissions Claims
- Professional Liability Claims
- Environmental Claims
- Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims
- Toxic Tort and Chemical Release Claims
Maritime
As a member of the Louisiana maritime litigation and trial law team, Art has handled various matters including:
- Jones Act Claims
- Maritime Collisions and Allisions
- Maritime Fire and Explosion Claims
- Maritime Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims