Maples & Connick partners with national mass disaster law firm Romanucci & Blandin to launch robust civil investigation into predictable and preventable January 1st attack on Bourbon Street as number of clients nears two dozen

Legal team says officials were tragically aware and did not protect the public

NEW ORLEANS (January 8, 2025) – The tragic and traumatic attack on unsuspecting people on Bourbon Street in the early morning hours of January 1, 2025, was predictable and preventable. A robust civil investigation is underway by New Orleans law firm Maples & Connick, LLC, which is now partnering with nationally respected mass disaster law firm Romanucci & Blandin, LLC. Together, this legal team is committed to uncovering the truth about what was known and what actions were taken or not taken to make this deadly attack possible. The law firms are investigating the role of the City of New Orleans, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), and others in the tragic events that led to killing 14 innocent individuals and harming dozens of others. Many remain hospitalized with severe injuries and countless others now struggle with the trauma of that experience. 

In the hours following the attack, Maples & Connick was retained by a survivor of the attack. Since then, the firm’s client base has expanded and is now approaching two dozen and growing. Maples & Connick is partnering with Chicago-based Romanucci & Blandin, bringing that firm’s deep resources and experience in municipal liability cases and mass disasters to the clients of the New Orleans attack. A robust civil investigation into the facts, events, and decisions leading to this attack is now underway.

Romanucci & Blandin has secured justice in many cases against numerous municipalities, including the historic settlement against Minneapolis and its Police Department for the murder of George Floyd, and the firm currently represents the family of Tyre Nichols for his beating death by Memphis Police Officers, recently secured an historic $98 million verdict for the Dallas police shooting death of Botham Jean, among other cases. Romanucci & Blandin also brings substantial experience in the arena of mass disasters, representing loved ones and survivors impacted by mass shootings around the country, including The Fourth of July Parade in Highland Park, Illinois; Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas; Old National Bank in Louisville, Kentucky; Club Q in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada; and the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

Anyone with information or any individual impacted by this tragedy is encouraged to contact the legal team at intakes@rblaw.net or 312-458-1000.

From here forward, please direct all media inquiries to Romanucci & Blandin at press@rblaw.net.

“Residents and visitors trusted New Orleans officials to ensure their safety, and it is deeply troubling to have preliminary information that municipal leaders were clearly aware of the vulnerability of Bourbon Street to the predictable and preventable events that ultimately occurred on January 1^st.  The violation of public trust is disturbing, and we are fiercely committed to seeking accountability in this case," said Romanucci & Blandin Founding Partner Antonio M. Romanucci.

“We are in an unfortunate era where the risk of attacks like this is very clear in public spaces, and municipal leaders and police leaders are very aware of their responsibility to the public. This attack was predictable and preventable, and the actions and/or inactions by New Orleans leaders have changed countless lives forever,” said Romanucci & Blandin Partner Michael D. Cerasa.

“It is impossible to quantify this tragedy's astounding impact on our community. The senseless loss of lives, catastrophic injuries and deep emotional wounds have devastated the lives of those who were there and the lives of their loved ones. There must be accountability for leaving those people vulnerable to that harm and trauma,” said Maples & Connick Partner Aaron Maples.

“When our firm decided to get involved in this case, we represented a single individual injured in the January 1st attack. As the scope of this case grows, we restate our strong belief in its merits, and we are honored to partner with Romanucci & Blandin to fight for the accountability our clients deserve. We are confident they are the right co-counsel for this extremely important case,” said Maples & Connick Partner Brendan Connick.

About Romanucci & Blandin, LLC

Romanucci & Blandin is a Chicago-based national trial practice committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse and wrongful death. For more than 25 years, we have secured more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients - many for millions of dollars and others record-setting awards.  Our experience ranges from mass shootings, civil rights and police misconduct to medical malpractice, sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents or workplace injury cases involving individual or institutional negligence. Romanucci & Blandin is a valuable legal resource to individuals and groups of people who have been injured by others’ wrongdoing. Referring attorneys and clients say several factors differentiate our firm: Our record of success, depth of experience, talented and dedicated legal team, tireless preparation and strategic use of communications to fight for the rights of those whose lives have been changed forever. We are different from other personal injury firms in that our work does not stop when a verdict or settlement is secured.  We are often inspired by our clients’ experiences and commit resources to create change in our communities. For more information about Romanucci & Blandin, please visit www.rblaw.net or call (312) 458-1000.

About Maples & Connick, LLC

At Maples & Connick, we are compassionate trial lawyers dedicated to embracing clients as family. We provide unwavering support and experienced representation to those seeking justice. We understand that while we may have many cases, you only have one. Your voice matters and we are here to listen. Together, we pursue justice with empathy and care, restoring peace of mind and empowering your spirit. Welcome to our family, where compassion meets expertise, and justice is pursued with heart. For more information about Maples & Connick, please visit www.maplesconnick.com or call (504) 269-3870.