Forrest E. Guedry

Forrest Guedry practices in the Casualty and Mass Tort Litigation group. He focuses on the defense of catastrophic industrial accidents, premise liability claims, product liability claims, automobile and trucking accidents, commercial contract disputes, eviction proceedings, and the defense of complex workers’ compensation claims. Among his clients are national retail establishments, oil and gas refineries and pipelines, transportation and trucking companies, international and local restaurants, casinos, international manufacturers of gas detection monitors, diesel-powered light towers and other industrial products, durable medical equipment suppliers, telecommunication support companies, local contractors, municipalities, business owners, employers, and landlords.

Forrest has proven time and again his ability to manage the risks involved in defending businesses in various stages of litigation – ranging from emergency response and catastrophic accidents from the beginning of an investigation to trial and on appeal. He is skilled in handling complex cases involving fatal accidents, limb amputations accidents, severe burn cases, soft tissue injuries, contract disputes, municipal responsibilities, violations of civil rights, product liability manufacturing and design defects, and construction defects in industrial settings. He also resolves complex legal issues related to industrial maintenance and construction contracts, oil and gas catastrophic loss cases, and retail accidents involving slip and fall and premises liability claims.

Forrest consistently demonstrates his strength in handling complicated legal issues through thorough preparation allowing him to develop unique and creative ways to best position his clientele to minimize risk. He excels in implementing negotiation tactics and defense strategies, often in situations that require immediate action. He is instrumental in creating litigation and trial strategies that build trust with all parties in litigation.

With a focus on designing defense strategies that are effectual throughout the entire litigation process, Forrest is appreciated for his ability to prioritize factual evidence, avoid short-term emotion in favor of long-term strategy, and for his skill in taking depositions. He is particularly effective when dealing with opposing counsel and finds new arguments that give his clients the best chance of achieving their goals.

Forrest is also creative in identifying legal theory that removes or devalues claims. In fact, Forrest brings a tangible track record of defense verdicts, successful dispositive motions, and favorable settlements that have resulted in a far smaller fraction of the initial demand.

Notably, Forrest brings an upsized amount of experience serving as trial counsel – making opening and closing statements, questioning witnesses, and participating in hearings for summary judgment and evidence, both before and during the trial. He has conducted practice jury presentations before trials and represented major clients of the firm in important trials and mediations.

Prior to joining the firm, Forrest practiced insurance and workers’ compensation defense in Lafayette, Louisiana. It was in this role, at the onset of his career, that Forrest was provided a unique opportunity to take depositions, make oral arguments, and even conduct trials as lead counsel early in his legal career – skills that he brings to serving his clients today.