Consumer and Bankruptcy Updates During the COVID-19 Crisis
Posted on: March 24, 2020
The information provided on this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Covid Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here
Updated May 21, 2021.
I already have a consumer case in Louisiana state court.
Trials before juries were allowed to commence beginning on April 1, 2021. Cases before grand juries may continue. Check with the court in which your case is being heard to determine whether you must attend remotely or in person.
I filed a bankruptcy and have a hearing scheduled.
At this time, all bankruptcy hearings are being held via telephone. Check with the court in which your case is being heard to determine the correct number and procedure for calling in for your hearing.
I was served with a lawsuit before the courts closed. What do I do now?
Check with the Clerk’s Office for the status of your case. All courts have reopened at this time.
What do I do if I receive a notice from a court, a Justice of the Peace, or a Constable while the courts are closed?
If this happens to you, seek the advice of an attorney. You can apply for free legal help by calling the Southeast Louisiana Legal Services at one of the offices listed below.
Baton Rouge: 225-448-0080
Covington: 985-893-0076
Gretna: 504-374-0977
Hammond: 985-345-2130
Houma: 985-851-5687
New Orleans: 504-529-1000
Where should I report price gouging?
It is illegal for someone to increase the price of goods or services during (and up to 30 days after) a state of emergency. You can report suspected price gouging to the Louisiana Department of Justice at 800-351-4889 or at https://www.ag.state.la.us/Page/ConsumerDispute
Where should I report Coronavirus scams?
Some companies are selling unapproved or misbranded products, claiming they can treat or prevent Coronavirus – even though they have no evidence to back up their claims. Please go to reliable sources– like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - for information about Coronavirus. If you suspect a Coronavirus scam, you can report it to the Louisiana Department of Justice at 800-351-4889 or at https://www.ag.state.la.us/Page/ConsumerDispute