Chopin Law Firm partners present Louisiana tort reform CLE in Greece

Phil Lorio and Adam Sanderson of The Chopin Law Firm delivered a one-hour CLE on Louisiana tort reform at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law’s Greece Conference in Spetses, Greece, from June 11-15, 2026. The session reviewed major changes to Louisiana tort law and how they could affect litigation, insurance disputes and civil justice in the state.

Why it matters: - Louisiana tort law has changed enough to affect how attorneys, insurers and claims professionals evaluate cases, set strategy and negotiate settlements. - The reforms discussed at the CLE could reshape litigation, damages analysis and insurance-related decision-making in Louisiana courts. - A proposed $5 million cap on general damages could further alter the stakes if lawmakers advance additional changes in 2026.

What happened: - Phil Lorio and Adam Sanderson, partners at The Chopin Law Firm LLC, presented “Navigating the New Bayou: Louisiana Tort Reform 2024–2026.” - Loyola University New Orleans College of Law offered the one-hour Continuing Legal Education program during its Greece Conference in Spetses, Greece, held June 11-15, 2026. - The presentation focused on major changes to Louisiana tort law and their practical impact on litigation, claims handling, insurance disputes and civil justice.

The details: - The presentation covered an extension of Louisiana’s prescriptive period for certain tort claims. - The program addressed the near-elimination of the direct action against insurers. - Lorio and Sanderson also discussed the shift to a 51% modified comparative fault bar. - The CLE covered the abolition of the Housley causation presumption. - The session included collateral source reform and higher No-Pay/No-Play thresholds. - The presentation also examined pre-filed bills from the 2026 legislative session, including a proposed $5 million cap on general damages. - The program was designed for attorneys, claims professionals, insurers and other legal stakeholders. - The firm said the goal was to help participants understand how the reforms may affect case evaluation, litigation strategy, settlement posture, causation disputes, damages analysis and insurance decisions.

Between the lines: - The choice of Greece as the venue gave the CLE an international backdrop for a discussion centered on a uniquely Louisiana legal overhaul. - Phil Lorio said Louisiana tort law has changed dramatically in a short period of time and that the reforms will affect how cases are investigated, valued, defended, negotiated and tried. - Adam Sanderson said the aim was to give practitioners a practical framework for issues already emerging in Louisiana courts and claims environments. - The presentation signals that Louisiana tort reform remains a live issue for both trial lawyers and insurers, not just a legislative topic.

What's next: - Practitioners are likely to keep adjusting litigation and claims practices as courts and insurers work through the new rules. - The pre-filed 2026 bills reviewed during the session could become a bigger focus if lawmakers advance them in the next legislative cycle. - The Chopin Law Firm said it will continue offering litigation, counsel and legal education around Louisiana law.

The bottom line: - The CLE reflected how fast Louisiana tort reform is moving and how quickly lawyers and insurers are being forced to adapt.