Terrebonne Parish Jury Awards $10.5 Million in Wrongful Death and Firearm Negligence Lawsuit
Jury Returns $10.5 Million Dollar Verdict in Louisiana Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Houma, Louisiana – In a major legal victory for the family of a man fatally shot in a Louisiana hunting camp accident, a Terrebonne Parish jury returned a unanimous verdict of $10.5 million dollars in a wrongful death and survival action lawsuit. The case centered around firearm negligence by the defendant, Glenn Plaisance, who was found 100% at fault for the tragic shooting incident.
The incident occurred when Plaisance, despite posting safety rules that stated “All Guns Must Be Unloaded Before Entering the Cabin,” began “messing with his gun” inside the camp while it was still loaded. The discharge of his weapon fatally wounded the victim, who was in close proximity to his son and grandson at the time.
The victim’s surviving family, represented by Debra Chiasson, Darby Chiasson, Chett Chiasson, and Carson Chiasson, filed the wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana’s 32nd Judicial District Court, Civil Suit Number 196054 “A”, Parish of Terrebonne. The Lejeune claims were also included in the legal action.
Attorneys Robert M. Marionneaux, Jr., B. Cade Melancon, Robert M. Marionneaux, III, all of Baton Rouge, and J. Christopher Erny of Houma, successfully argued the case on behalf of the plaintiffs. The defendant, Glenn Plaisance, denied liability throughout the four-day jury trial, but ultimately the jury held him fully responsible.
This $10.5 million wrongful death verdict includes damages for the wrongful death, survival action, and emotional trauma witnessed by family members during the incident. Notably, the case highlights the importance of gun safety and accountability during recreational hunting activities.
Key Legal Takeaways:
- Defendant Glenn Plaisance found 100% at fault
- Verdict includes Lejeune claims for emotional distress
- Incident occurred during a family hunting trip in Louisiana
- Gun safety negligence lawsuit centered on failure to unload firearm inside the cabin
- Personal injury and wrongful death attorneys from Baton Rouge and Houma successfully prosecuted the case
A special thanks was extended to the Terrebonne Parish jurors for their time and attention to this heart-wrenching case. While the verdict does not replace the life lost, it serves as a validation of the decedent’s life and brings some closure to the family.
Official Case Information
Case Title:
Debra Chiasson, et al v. Glenn Plaisance, et al
Civil Suit Number:
196054 “A”
Court:
32nd Judicial District Court
Parish of Terrebonne
State of Louisiana
Jury Verdict Date:
August 28, 2025