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James v. Hodges

Citations: 623 So. 2d 1318; 1993 La. LEXIS 2568; 1993 WL 364327Docket: No. 93-CC-1544

Court: Supreme Court of Louisiana; September 17, 1993; Louisiana; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

The Court of Appeal for the Third Circuit granted supervisory and/or remedial writs in the case of In re Hodges, Lily, Dr. Neuropsychiatric Clinic Ltd. The trial court's decision to deny the exception of prematurity was reversed. The court found that the allegations in the plaintiffs' petition fell under the medical malpractice act. Consequently, the exception of prematurity was upheld, and the case was remanded to the trial court with instructions to dismiss the plaintiffs' suit as premature, in accordance with La.R.S. 40:1299.47(B) and Code Civ. P. art. 933. Justice Dennis dissented from the Court’s summary action and opinion, while Justice Watson was not part of the panel.

Legal Issues Addressed

Exception of Prematurity under Louisiana Law

Application: The appellate court found that the allegations in the plaintiffs' petition were subject to the medical malpractice act, thereby upholding the exception of prematurity.

Reasoning: The court found that the allegations in the plaintiffs' petition fell under the medical malpractice act.

Judicial Dissent

Application: Justice Dennis dissented from the appellate court's summary action and opinion, indicating disagreement with the majority's decision.

Reasoning: Justice Dennis dissented from the Court’s summary action and opinion.

Non-Participation of Justice

Application: Justice Watson did not participate in the appellate court's decision, and therefore did not contribute to the outcome of the case.

Reasoning: Justice Watson was not part of the panel.

Remand with Instructions to Dismiss

Application: The case was remanded to the trial court with specific instructions to dismiss the plaintiffs' suit as premature, in compliance with relevant statutory provisions.

Reasoning: Consequently, the exception of prematurity was upheld, and the case was remanded to the trial court with instructions to dismiss the plaintiffs' suit as premature, in accordance with La.R.S. 40:1299.47(B) and Code Civ. P. art. 933.

Reversal of Trial Court's Decision

Application: The appellate court reversed the trial court's decision to deny the exception of prematurity, ruling in favor of the defendants.

Reasoning: The trial court's decision to deny the exception of prematurity was reversed.