Victory for Ameritas: Dismissal of Plaintiffs’ Class Action Claims

Leake Andersson is proud to announce another significant legal victory for our client, Ameritas Life, in the matter of Wightman v. Ameritas. On November 28, 2024, Judge Barbier of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana issued an Order and Reasons granting Ameritas’ Motion for Summary Judgment. This ruling, accompanied by a separate judgment, has resulted in the dismissal of the Plaintiffs’ class action claims.  

A Legal Journey Spanning Over Five Years 

The origins of this case trace back to July 11, 2019, when Plaintiffs filed their initial Complaint. Since then, the case has undergone extensive legal scrutiny, including multiple appeals and rulings. The key turning point came when we successfully argued that the Louisiana Preferred Provider Act, the foundation of Plaintiffs’ claims, does not apply to dentists insured by Ameritas. This argument was instrumental in persuading the Court to reverse its earlier stance for “compelling” reasons, ultimately leading to this favorable outcome. 

The Role of Appellate Proceedings 

This case has been a testament to the complexity of appellate litigation. After Judge Barbier’s original dismissal of Plaintiffs’ claims on statute of limitations grounds, the matter was appealed to the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Fifth Circuit certified a pivotal question to the Louisiana Supreme Court, which ruled in Plaintiffs’ favor on the statute of limitations issue. Consequently, the Fifth Circuit reversed Judge Barbier’s dismissal and remanded the case for further proceedings. Despite these setbacks, we remained steadfast in our defense of Ameritas, culminating in this decisive victory. 

Implications of the Ruling 

Judge Barbier’s recent judgment is not only a win for Ameritas but also establishes a significant precedent concerning the applicability of the Louisiana Preferred Provider Act. The ruling underscores the importance of detailed statutory interpretation and effective advocacy in navigating complex legal disputes. 

Looking Ahead 

While we anticipate that Plaintiffs may seek an appeal, our team is prepared to continue advocating for Ameritas at every stage of the litigation process. This latest victory builds on another recent success for Ameritas in the State Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, where a motion for summary judgment in their favor was upheld just weeks ago. 

Partnering for Success 

This outcome would not have been possible without the exceptional efforts of LA attorneys Andrew Abrams and George Fagan, whose meticulous preparation and strategic advocacy have been critical to achieving these results. 

At Leake Andersson, we take pride in delivering top-tier legal services that protect our clients’ interests and secure meaningful victories. We remain committed to upholding our reputation as trusted advocates and advisors. 

For more information about our litigation and appellate services, or to learn how we can support your organization, please visit the Practice Areas page of our website or contact us directly. 

This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. 

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