Bourquard v. L.O. Ausauma Enterprises, Inc.
52 So. 3d 248
La. Ct. App.2010Background
- Bourquard, Sr. owns property at 11419 Almonaster Boulevard, New Orleans.
- In April 2007, Bourquard reported unauthorized dumping; LDEQ investigated and ordered Bourquard to remove dumped waste.
- LDEQ found Ausauma Enterprises, Inc. contracted by Gill’s Crane to clean up and transport waste to Bourquard’s property.
- Bourquard filed damages suit in May 2008 against Ausauma and Gill’s Crane; Gill’s Crane moved for summary judgment.
- Trial court granted Gill’s Crane summary judgment; appellate review under de novo standard affirmed.
- Key issues: (i) trespass by Gill’s Crane, (ii) LEQA liability, (iii) Gill’s Crane’s liability for Ausauma as independent contractor.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gill’s Crane trespass liability | Bourquard: Gill’s Crane trespassed by dumping waste on his property. | Gill’s Crane: no trespass by Gill’s Crane; dumping by Ausauma was by independent contractor. | No genuine issue; Gill’s Crane not liable for trespass. |
| LEQA liability for solid vs hazardous waste | Bourquard: materials are hazardous waste; Gill’s Crane liable under LEQA. | Gill’s Crane: LDEQ classified waste as solid waste; LEQA hazardous-waste provisions do not apply. | Summary judgment proper; LDEQ classification supported no liability under LEQA. |
| Liability for Ausauma as independent contractor | Bourquard: Gill’s Crane liable for Ausauma’s dumping due to contractor control. | Gill’s Crane had no control over Ausauma’s methods; independent-contractor relationship established. | Summary judgment proper; no liability for Gill’s Crane for Ausauma’s actions. |
Key Cases Cited
- Richard v. Richard, 24 So.3d 292 (La. App. 3 Cir. 2009) (supervisor liable for trespass even if another performs the work)
- Pepper v. Triplet, 864 So.2d 181 (La. 1st Cir. 2004) (trespass definition; consent required for entry)
- Williams v. J.B. Levert Land Co., 162 So.2d 53 (La. App. 1st Cir. 1964) (supervisory liability for contractor’s actions)
- Morales v. Davis Bros. Const. Co., Inc., 647 So.2d 1302 (La. App. 4 Cir. 1994) (independent-contractor exception to liability; control standard)