Petition For Damages Final
Petition For Damages Final
Petition For Damages Final
STATE OF LOUISIANA
VERSUS
FILED:____________________________
DEPUTY CLERK
Brooks, father of Madison Brooks, who files his Petition for Damages, with respect, as
follows:
PARTIES
I.
Plaintiff, John Brooks (“Mr. Brooks”), an individual of the full age of majority
and domiciled in the State of Florida, brings this action as a member of the class of
persons authorized to bring a wrongful death action pursuant to Louisiana Civil Code
Article 2315.2 and a survival action pursuant to Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.1, as a
result of the death of his daughter, Madison Brooks (“Madison”), which occurred on or
about January 15, 2023, and any other actions pursuant to Louisiana law, including but
not limited to, Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315, Louisiana Civil Code Article 2316,
Louisiana Civil Code Article 2320, Intentional Torts and Louisiana Revised Statute
Section 26:90, for any and all injuries and damages, and the ultimate death, sustained by
Madison, and the injuries and damages sustained by Mr. Brooks, under Louisiana law.
II.
and doing business in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, and
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at all times material herein, the entity liable as a result of its actions and/or
inactions for the non-exclusive reasons more particularly set forth herein, for
the injuries, damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and the
injuries and damages sustained by plaintiff, and at all times material herein,
vicariously liable to plaintiff for the acts of its employees and the resulting
2) Darin P. Adams, an individual of the full age of majority and domiciled in the
Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, and the owner of C.B., LLC,
d/b/a Reggie’s Bar, who is liable as a result of his actions and/or inactions for
the non-exclusive reasons more particularly set forth herein, for the injuries,
damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and the injuries and
liable to plaintiff for the acts of his employees and the resulting injuries and
damages to plaintiff;
business in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, and at all
4) John Landry, an individual of the full age of majority and domiciled in the
Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, and the owner of C.B., LLC,
d/b/a Reggie’s Bar, who is liable as a result of his actions and/or inactions for
the non-exclusive reasons more particularly set forth herein, for the injuries,
damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and the injuries and
liable to plaintiff for the acts of his employees and the resulting injuries and
damages to plaintiff;
business in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, and at all
6) Bartender No.1, an individual, who will soon be named, of the full age of
majority and domiciled in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana,
and a bartender at Reggie’s Bar, who is liable as a result of his actions and/or
inactions for the non-exclusive reasons more particularly set forth herein, for
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the injuries, damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and the
7) Bartender No. 2, an individual, who will soon be named, of the full age of
majority and domiciled in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana,
and a bartender at Reggie’s Bar, who is liable as a result of his actions and/or
inactions for the non-exclusive reasons more particularly set forth herein, for
the injuries, damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and the
8) Bartender No. 3, an individual, who will soon be named, of the full age of
majority and domiciled in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana,
and a bartender at Reggie’s Bar, who is liable as a result of his actions and/or
inactions for the non-exclusive reasons more particularly set forth herein, for
the injuries, damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and the
9) Bartender No. 4, an individual, who will soon be named, of the full age of
majority and domiciled in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana,
and a bartender at Reggie’s Bar, who is liable as a result of his actions and/or
inactions for the non-exclusive reasons more particularly set forth herein, for
the injuries, damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and the
10) Andy Gleneck, an individual of the full age of majority and domiciled in the
Reggie’s Bar, who is liable as a result of his actions and/or inactions for the
non-exclusive reasons more particularly set forth herein, for the injuries,
damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and the injuries and
11) Alex Schexnayder, an individual of the full age of majority and domiciled in
at Reggie’s Bar, who is liable as a result of his actions and/or inactions for the
non-exclusive reasons more particularly set forth herein, for the injuries,
damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and the injuries and
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12) Landon Rees, an individual of the full age of majority and domiciled in the
Reggie’s Bar, who is liable as a result of his actions and/or inactions for the
non-exclusive reasons more particularly set forth herein, for the injuries,
damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and the injuries and
13) Jackson Robichaux, an individual of the full age of majority and domiciled in
at Reggie’s Bar, who is liable as a result of his actions and/or inactions for the
non-exclusive reasons more particularly set forth herein, for the injuries,
damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and the injuries and
business in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, and at all
times material herein, the liability insurer for C.B., LLC, d/b/a Reggie’s Bar,
Darin P. Adams, John Landry, Bartenders Nos. 1-4, Andy Gleneck, Alex
Schexnayder, Landon Rees, Jackson Robichaux and any and all other
business in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, and at all
times material herein, the excess liability insurer for C.B., LLC, d/b/a
Reggie’s Bar, Darin P. Adams, John Landry, Bartenders Nos. 1-4, Andy
Gleneck, Alex Schexnayder, Landon Rees, Jackson Robichaux and any and
16) Kaivon Washington, an individual of the full age of majority and domiciled in
actions and/or inactions for the non-exclusive reasons more particularly set
forth herein, for the injuries, damages and ultimate death sustained by
17) Desmond Carter, an individual of the full age of majority and domiciled in the
and/or inactions for the non-exclusive reasons more particularly set forth
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herein, for the injuries, damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and
18) Casen Carver, an individual of the full age of majority and domiciled in the
and/or inactions for the non-exclusive reasons more particularly set forth
herein, for the injuries, damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and
19) Everett Lee, an individual of the full age of majority and domiciled in the
Parish of St. Helena, State of Louisiana, who is liable as a result of his actions
and/or inactions for the non-exclusive reasons more particularly set forth
herein, for the injuries, damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and
20) James Hayward, Jr. (“James Hayward”), an individual of the full age of
majority and domiciled in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana,
who is liable as a result of his actions and/or inactions for the non-exclusive
reasons more particularly set forth herein, for the injuries, damages and
ultimate death sustained by Madison, and the injuries and damages sustained
by plaintiff;
business in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, and at all
22) Lyft, Inc. (“Lyft”), an entity authorized to do and doing business in the Parish
of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, and at all times material herein, the
entity liable as a result of its actions and/or inactions for the non-exclusive
reasons more particularly set forth herein, for the injuries, damages and
ultimate death sustained by Madison, and the injuries and damages sustained
by plaintiff, and at all times material herein, vicariously liable to plaintiff for
the acts of its employee/driver and the resulting injuries and damages to
plaintiff;
23) State Farm Fire and Casualty Company (“State Farm”), an insurance company
authorized to do and doing business in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State
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of Louisiana, and at all times material herein, the liability insurer for Lyft and
24) Plaintiff may add any additional defendants, including but not limited to, the
individuals working the door on the date of the subject incident, as potential
III.
Said defendants are justly and truly indebted, jointly, severally, and in solido unto
plaintiff for the injuries, damages and ultimate death sustained by Madison, and the
injuries and damages sustained by plaintiff, as are reasonable in the premises, together
with legal interest thereon from the date of judicial demand until paid, and for all costs of
these proceedings.
IV.
Jurisdiction and venue are proper in this Honorable Court as the incidents
described herein occurred in the Parish of East Baton Rouge and at least one of the
FACTS
V.
On or about January 14, 2023, the decedent, Madison Brooks, who was 19 years
old, was a patron at Reggie’s Bar located at 1176 Bob Pettit Blvd. in the Parish of East
Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana. Upon information and belief, Madison was issued an
“over-21” wristband and was served her first drink at approximately 10:12 p.m. Madison
remained at Reggie’s Bar for a little more than three hours. During that period of time,
Madison was sold 20 alcoholic beverages and given an additional four alcoholic
beverages, without charge, for a total of 24 alcoholic beverages, despite being visibly
highly intoxicated.
VI.
Reggie’s Bar, for many years, has been well known and notorious for serving
alcohol to underage persons. This culture of allowing underage drinking in Reggie’s Bar
was well known and has been inexistence since 2004. This culture continued and was
present in January 2023, when Madison was served 24 alcoholic drinks. The owners,
Darin P. Adams and John Landry, its bartenders and managers, were all individuals in
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decision making positions to prevent the injuries and death of Madison. All were derelict
in their obligations under Louisiana Law. Louisiana Revised Statute 26:90 provides in
pertinent part:
Despite the clear mandate contained in Louisiana Law to not sell or serve
alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of twenty-one years, or to any
intoxicated person, Madison was served alcohol beginning at approximately 10:12 p.m.
on January 14, 2023, and continuing until the following morning at approximately 1:21
a.m.:
Order No. 1-Madison orders, pays for, and is served two blue alcoholic
Order No. 2 – Madison orders, pays for, and is served two red alcoholic shots by
Bartender No. 2.
Served No. 3 and No. 4- Madison is first served a red shot and then served a red
Order No. 3 – Madison orders, pays for, and is served three red alcoholic shots
by Bartender No. 3.
Order No. 4 – Madison orders, pays for, and is served two beers and three red
Order No. 5- Madison orders, pays for, and is served one alcoholic beverage by
Bartender No. 4.
Fall No. 2- Madison attempts to get on a table and falls. She then gets up and
Order No. 6- Madison orders, pays for, and is served two red alcoholic shots by
Bartender No. 3.
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Fall No. 3- Madison falls away from the bar in front of Bartender No. 3.
Order No. 7- Madison orders, pays for, and is served two blue alcoholic
Order No. 8 – Madison orders and is served two red alcoholic shots by Bartender
Order No. 9 – Madison orders, pays for, and is served one clear alcoholic
Fall No. 4 – Madison is sitting near/at the front doors when she falls off a stool.
She remained on the ground for approximately 30 seconds while employees moved past
her.
approximately 10:12 p.m. on January 14, 2023, to the last drink at 1:21 a.m. on January
15, 2023, Madison was served 24 alcoholic beverages, despite being highly and visibly
intoxicated, and which caused Madison to have a BAC level of at least .282 indicating
severe impairment.
VII.
The above irresponsible and negligent actions by defendants, Reggie’s Bar and its
employees, demonstrated a clear disregard for the safety of Madison and a clear disregard
foreseeable injuries and damages, and ultimately death, after leaving Reggie’s Bar. As a
result, Reggie’s Bar was charged with 28 violations of Louisiana’s liquor laws, which
included 24 counts of selling alcoholic beverages to a person under the age of 21.
Reggie’s Bar was also charged with permitting a 17-year-old into Reggie’s Bar that same
night. This was the final straw, and the last of a long list of violations of law committed
by Reggie’s Bar over the years, as Reggie’s Bar was finally shut down and closed in
2023, as a result of the reckless behavior of Reggie’s Bar and its’ employees during the
evening of January 14, 2023, and early morning hours of January 15, 2023, in serving 19-
year-old Madison, and others, numerous alcoholic beverages when Madison was clearly
and visibly highly intoxicated. Again, Reggie’s Bar has been well-known and infamous
for the culture of allowing underage persons to enter the bar and be served alcohol. As
shown below, Reggie’s Bar has had numerous infractions of State law resulting in prior
suspensions of their liquor license, and resulting in numerous arrests at their location.
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Reggie’s Bar was also notorious for many violent acts occurring in and around its
premises.
VIII.
As stated above, Reggie’s Bar has had numerous prior violations before the
subject incident dating as far back to 2004 and despite same, Reggie’s bar again allowed
underage persons to be sold and served alcoholic beverages during the evening of
January 14, 2023, and the early morning hours of January 15, 2023, resulting in the tragic
injuries and death of Madison. The following is just a sample of Reggie’s Bar’s prior
case numbers and violations of the State liquor laws in Louisiana since 2014:
2019-1942 (2nd Offense) – La. R.S. 26:90A(13) & 26.286A(13) – Improper Conduct
Under 21 in Possession
2018-979 (1st Offense) – La. R.S. 26:90A(13) & 26:286A(13) - Improper Conduct –
Under 21 in Possession
2017-1528 (1st Offense) – La. R.S. 26:90A(1)(a) & 26:286A(1)(a) – Vendor: Alcohol
to Person Under 21
(1st Offense) – La. R.S. 26:90A(3)(a) & 26:286A(3)(a) – Persons Under 18
on Premises
2017-1525 (1st Offense) – La. R.S. 26:90A(13) & 26:286A(13) – Disturbing the
Peace/Lewd; Improper Conduct
(1st Offense) – La. R.S. 26:90A(3)(a) & 26:286A(3)(a) – Persons under 18
on Premises
(1st Offense) – La. R.S. 26:90A(9) – Unclean/Unsanitary Conditions
(1st Offense) – LAC 55:303.ll.C(1)a – Truth in Labeling
(1st Offense) – LAC 55:505A(3) – Employee not RV Certified
(1st Offense) – LAC 55:505B(3) – No Training Records
2017-468 (1st Offense) – La. R.S. 26:90A(1)(a) & 26:286A(1)(a) – Vendor: Alcohol
to Persons Under 21
2016-2558 (1st Offense) – La. R.S. 26:90A(2) & 26:286A(2) – Vendor: Sell/Serve
Alcohol to an Intoxicated Person
La. R.S. 26:286A(13) – Improper Conduct
2014-4156 La. R.S. 26:286A(1) – Server: Sell/Serve Alcohol to Person Under 21 (1st
Offense)
2014-1920 La. R.S. 26:286A(1) – Server: Sell/Serve Alcohol to Person Under 21 (1st
Offense)
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IX.
Madison was visibly highly intoxicated when she left Reggie’s Bar in a car with
the defendants, Kaivon Washington, Desmond Carter, Casen Carver and Everett Lee,
who had also been in Reggie’s Bar. Kaivon Washington and Casen Carver were under
the age of 21, and Desmond Carter was 17 years old. Only Everett Lee was over the age
of 21. Upon information and belief, all of the aforementioned defendants consumed
alcohol inside of Reggie’s Bar. Casen Carver was the driver of the vehicle and Everett
Lee was the front seat passenger. Kaivon Washington and Desmond Carter were in the
backseat with Madison. The defendants pulled the vehicle over and Kaivon Washington
and Desmond Carter sexually assaulted Madison in the back seat of the car. Casen Carver
callously and maliciously video recorded the sexual assault on his cell phone. In the
recording, Cason Carver arrogantly and boldly predicted and narrated the sexual assault.
In the same recording, Madison can be heard screaming “GET OFF!” Following the
sexual assault, the defendants let Madison out of the vehicle, and she was then fatally
Louisiana. The four defendants were arrested on sexual assault charges. Kaivon
Washington, Desmond Carter and Casen Carver have been indicted on First-Degree Rape
and Third-Degree Rape charges by the Grand Jury in East Baton Rouge.
James Hayward, upon information and belief, was operating a vehicle on behalf
X.
Plaintiff reasserts, realleges and incorporates the foregoing paragraphs, facts and
XI.
The aforesaid incidents and the foreseeable injuries and damages, and ultimate
death, resulting therefrom to Madison and her father, Mr. Brooks, which will be specified
hereinafter, were proximately and legally caused by the fault, negligence, and want of
due care of defendants, Reggie’s Bar, Darin P. Adams, John Landry, Bartenders No. 1-4,
Andy Gleneck, Alex Schexnayder, Landon Reese and Jackson Robichaux, their officers,
agents, employees, and those for whom defendants are legally responsible, including but
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not limited to, the following acts of omission and commission, among others, which may
6) Failure to warn;
7) Negligent entrustment;
8) Negligent hiring;
9) Negligent training;
12) Failure to take all means and precautions necessary to prevent and avoid the
15) Any and all other acts that shall be proven at the trial of this matter.
All of the above in violation of the laws of the State of Louisiana, Parish of East
XII.
At all times material herein, defendants, C.B., LLC, Darin P. Adams and John
Landry, were the owners of Reggie’s Bar and as such, are liable to plaintiff for the
injuries and damages, and ultimate death, sustained by Madison and to plaintiff.
Additionally, Bartenders No. 1-4, Andy Gleneck, Alex Schexnayder, Landon Reese,
Jackson Robichaux, and other presently unnamed defendants, were in the course and
scope of their employment with Reggie’s Bar and/or Darin P. Adams and John Landry,
rendering defendants, Reggie’s Bar, Darin P. Adams and John Landry, vicariously liable
to plaintiff jointly, severally and in solido with defendants, Bartenders No. 1-4, Andy
Gleneck, Alex Schexnayder, Landon Reese and Jackson Robichaux, under the theory of
respondeat superior, for any and all injuries and damages, and the ultimate death,
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FAULT OF KAIVON WASHINGTON, DESMOND CARTER,
CASEN CARVER AND EVERETT LEE
XIII.
Plaintiff reasserts, realleges and incorporates the foregoing paragraphs, facts and
XIV.
Defendants, Kaivon Washington, Desmond Carter, Casen Carver and Everett Lee
committed a battery and sexual assault upon a highly and visibly intoxicated Madison.
Accordingly, said defendants are liable to Madison and plaintiff for the injuries and
damages, and ultimate death, that they caused to Madison, and injuries and damages
caused to plaintiff, as a result of their intentional torts of battery, sexual battery and
XV.
Plaintiff reasserts, realleges and incorporates the foregoing paragraphs, facts and
XVI.
At all times material herein, upon information and belief, defendant, James
Hayward, was operating his motor vehicle on January 15, 2023, while on duty with Lyft,
when his vehicle struck and killed Madison, rendering Lyft vicariously liable to plaintiff
jointly, severally and in solido with defendant, James Hayward, under the theory of
respondeat superior, for any and all injuries and damages, and the ultimate death,
XVII.
The aforesaid incident and the foreseeable injuries and damages, and ultimate
death, resulting therefrom to Madison and her father, Mr. Brooks, which will be specified
hereinafter, were proximately and legally caused by the fault, negligence, and want of
due care of defendants, James Hayward and Lyft, their officers, agents, employees, and
those for whom defendants are legally responsible, including but not limited to the
following acts of omission and commission, among others, which may be shown during
5) Failure to be attentive;
9) Any and all other acts of negligence, which will be proven at the trial of this
matter.
All of the above in violation of the laws of the State of Louisiana, Parish of East
DAMAGES
XVIII.
Plaintiff reasserts, realleges and incorporates the foregoing paragraphs, facts and
XIX.
negligence and/or vicarious liability, Madison and plaintiff, Mr. Brooks, sustained
personal injuries and damages in the form of past, present and future medical expenses,
past, present and future physical and mental pain and suffering, past, present and future
lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish and inconvenience, negligent
infliction of emotional distress, loss of love, society, affection, and consortium, wrongful
death damages, survival action damages, funeral expenses, burial expenses, battery,
sexual battery, sexual assault and any and all damages allowed pursuant to Louisiana
Law, Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315, Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.1, Louisiana
Civil Code Article 2315.2, all of which entitle Mr. Brooks to recover from defendants,
jointly, severally, and in solido, an amount reasonable to compensate plaintiff for the
injuries and damages, and ultimate death, to Madison, and injuries and damages to Mr.
Brooks.
XX.
Plaintiff is also entitled to recover from defendants, damages for the wrongful
death of Madison, and damages for the injuries, and pain and suffering, Madison suffered
prior to her wrongful death. (Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.1 and Louisiana Civil
XXI.
Plaintiff reasserts, realleges and incorporates the foregoing paragraphs, facts and
XXII.
At all times material herein, defendant, ABC Insurance Company, had in full
force and effect a policy of liability insurance covering the defendant, Darin P. Adams,
rendering said insurer liable to plaintiff jointly, severally and in solido with the said
defendants for any and all injuries and damages, and ultimate death, sustained by
Madison, and for any and all injuries and damages sustained by plaintiff.
XXIII.
At all times material herein, defendant, DEF Insurance Company, had in full force
and effect a policy of liability insurance covering the defendant, John Landry, rendering
said insurer liable to plaintiff jointly, severally and in solido with the said defendants for
any and all injuries and damages, and ultimate death, sustained by Madison, and for any
XXIV.
At all times material herein, defendant, XYZ Insurance Company, had in full
force and effect a policy of liability insurance covering the defendants, Reggie’s Bar,
Darin P. Adams, John Landry, Bartenders No. 1-4, Andy Gleneck, Alex Schexnayder,
Landon Reese and Jackson Robichaux, rendering said insurer liable to plaintiff jointly,
severally and in solido with the said defendants for any and all injuries and damages, and
ultimate death, sustained by Madison, and for any and all injuries and damages sustained
by plaintiff.
XXV.
At all times material herein, defendant, XXX Insurance Company, had in full
force and effect a policy of excess liability insurance covering the defendants, Reggie’s
Bar, Darin P. Adams, John Landry, Bartenders No. 1-4, Andy Gleneck, Alex
Schexnayder, Landon Reese and Jackson Robichaux, rendering said insurer liable to
plaintiff jointly, severally and in solido with the said defendants for any and all injuries
and damages, and ultimate death, sustained by Madison, and for any and all injuries and
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XXVI.
At all times material herein, defendant, SAFECO Insurance Company, had in full
force and effect a policy of liability insurance covering the vehicle operated by/and
defendant, James Hayward, rendering said insurer liable to plaintiff jointly, severally and
in solido with the said defendant for any and all injuries and damages, and ultimate death,
sustained by Madison, and for any and all injuries and damages sustained by plaintiff.
XXVII.
At all times material herein, defendant, State Farm, had in full force and effect a
policy of liability insurance covering the vehicle operated by defendant, James Hayward,
and covering defendant, Lyft, the entity for whom James Hayward was working,
rendering said insurer liable to plaintiff jointly, severally and in solido with the said
defendant for any and all injuries and damages, and ultimate death, sustained by
Madison, and for any and all injuries and damages sustained by plaintiff.
XXVIII.
WHEREFORE, plaintiff, John Brooks, father of Madison Brooks, prays that the
defendants be served with a certified copy of this Petition for Damages and be duly cited
to appear and answer same, and that after due proceedings are had herein, that there be
judgment herein in favor of plaintiff, and against defendants, jointly, severally, and in
solido, for any and all injuries and damages, and ultimate death, sustained by Madison,
and for any and all injuries and damages sustained by plaintiff, as is reasonable in the
premises, together with legal interest from date of judicial demand until paid and for all
Respectfully submitted,
By: ________________________________________
DAVID I. COURCELLE (La. Bar No. 23696)
SCOTT C. STANSBURY (La. Bar No. 34777)
BERNARD A. DUPUY (La. Bar No. 37667)
dcourcelle@courcellelaw.com
sstansbury@courcellelaw.com
bdupuy@courcellelaw.com
Attorneys for plaintiff, John Brooks
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PLEASE SERVE:
1) C.B., LLC
THROUGH ITS AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS:
KRIS A. PERRET
123 ST. FERDINAND STREET
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70802
2) DARIN P. ADAMS
THROUGH HIS AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS:
• KRIS A. PERRET
123 ST. FERDINAND STREET
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70802
3) JOHN LANDRY
THROUGH HIS AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS:
KRIS A. PERRET
123 ST. FERDINAND STREET
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70802
5) LYFT, INC.
THROUGH ITS AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS:
CT CORPORATION SYSTEM
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70816
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