Louisiana Direct Action Statute

La. R.S. 22:1269 (formerly 22:655), provides for a direct action against a liability insurer in two instances:

1) where the policy or contract of liability insurance was issued (domestic insurer) or delivered (foreign insurer) in Louisiana; or

2) where the accident or injury occurred in Louisiana.

The injured person or his or her survivors or heirs, at their option, may bring the action against the insured or against the insured and the liability insurer. The action may be brought against the insurer alone only when:

a) the insurer has been adjudged a bankrupt by a court of competent jurisdiction or when proceedings to adjudge an insured a bankrupt have been commenced before a court of competent jurisdiction;

b) the insured is insolvent;

c) service of citation or other process can not be made on the insured;

d) when the cause of action is for damages as a result of an offense or quasi-offense between children and their parents or between married persons;

e) when the insurer is an uninsured motorist carrier; or

f) the insured is deceased.