House Bill No. 443 introduces a new provision in the Louisiana Civil Code, specifically Article 2315.12, which mandates that attorneys representing plaintiffs in delictual actions must notify defendants in writing within twenty business days of being retained. This notification is required if the defendant has insurance that may cover damages related to the claim. The bill outlines specific information that must be included in the notice, such as the plaintiff's name, attorney's contact information, the nature of the claim, the date and location of the incident, and the plaintiff's domicile.
Additionally, the bill allows for sanctions against attorneys who fail to comply with these notification requirements. Notably, the bill has undergone amendments, including an increase in the notification period from ten to twenty days and the removal of a requirement to notify the defendant's insurer upon the plaintiff retaining counsel. These changes aim to streamline the notification process while ensuring that all relevant parties are informed in a timely manner.