alter ego doctrine in Louisiana

46 Louisiana opinions name it 2 courts 1963–2024 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Louisiana courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (9)

Case	Followed	Cited
Riggins v. Dixie Shoring Co., Inc.green la · 1991 · cited in 22 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 1993–2024 2 sentences 2019The Louisiana Supreme Court has set forth non-exclusive "factors courts consider when determining whether to apply the alter ego doctrine" including: (1) "commingling of corporate and shareholder funds"; (2) "failure to follow statutory formalities for incorporating and transacting corporate affairs"; (3) "undercapitalization"; (4) "failure to provide separate bank accounts and bookkeeping records"; and (5) "failure to hold regular shareholder and director meetings." Riggins v. Dixie Shoring Co. , 590 So.2d 1164 , 1168 (La. 1991). 2019The Louisiana Supreme Court has set forth non-exclusive "factors courts consider when determining whether to apply the alter ego doctrine" including: (1) "commingling of corporate and shareholder funds"; (2) "failure to follow statutory formalities for incorporating and transacting corporate affairs"; (3) "undercapitalization"; (4) "failure to provide separate bank accounts and bookkeeping records"; and (5) "failure to hold regular shareholder and director meetings." Riggins v. Dixie Shoring Co. , 590 So.2d 1164 , 1168 (La. 1991).	3	22
Keller v. Haasgreen la · 1943 · cited in 3 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 1963–1991 2 sentences 1991In Louisiana, courts usually base this rule upon the often-quoted language of Keller v. Haas, 202 La. 486 , 12 So.2d 238, 240 (1943): "It is well settled that where an individual forms a corporation of which he is the sole and only stock holder or owns such control of the stock that the act of the corporation is his own, then he may not use the screen of corporate entity to absolve himself from responsibility." The particular exception which permits application of the alter ego doctrine where corporate formalities have been disregarded is separate and distinct from that which permits its appli 1991In Louisiana, courts usually base this rule upon the often-quoted language of Keller v. Haas, 202 La. 486 , 12 So.2d 238, 240 (1943): "It is well settled that where an individual forms a corporation of which he is the sole and only stock holder or owns such control of the stock that the act of the corporation is his own, then he may not use the screen of corporate entity to absolve himself from responsibility." The particular exception which permits application of the alter ego doctrine where corporate formalities have been disregarded is separate and distinct from that which permits its appli	2	3
Jones v. Brileygreen lactapp · 1991 · cited in 2 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996 2 sentences 1996Riggins v. Dixie Shoring Co., Inc., 590 So.2d at 1168 ; Pine Tree Associates v. Doctors' Associates, Inc., 94-1193 (La.App. 1st Cir. 4/7/95); 654 So.2d 735, 738-39 , writ denied, 95-1608 (La. 10/6/95); 661 So.2d 467 ; McLean v. Smith, 593 So.2d at 426; Jones v. Briley, 593 So.2d at 395; Chaney v. Godfrey, 535 So.2d at 921 ; Harris v. Best of America Inc., 466 So.2d at 1315 . 1996Riggins v. Dixie Shoring Co., Inc., 590 So.2d at 1168 ; Pine Tree Associates v. Doctors’ Associates, Inc., 94-1193 (La.App. 1st Cir. 4/7/95); 654 So.2d 735, 738-39 , writ denied, 95-1608 (La. 10/6/95); 661 So.2d 467 ; McLean v. Smith, 593 So.2d at 426; Jones v. Briley, 593 So.2d at 395; Chaney v. Godfrey, 535 So.2d at 921 ; Harris v. Best of America Inc., 466 So.2d at 1315 .	2	2
McLean v. Smithgreen lactapp · 1991 · cited in 2 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996 2 sentences 1996Riggins v. Dixie Shoring Co., Inc., 590 So.2d at 1168 ; Pine Tree Associates v. Doctors' Associates, Inc., 94-1193 (La.App. 1st Cir. 4/7/95); 654 So.2d 735, 738-39 , writ denied, 95-1608 (La. 10/6/95); 661 So.2d 467 ; McLean v. Smith, 593 So.2d at 426; Jones v. Briley, 593 So.2d at 395; Chaney v. Godfrey, 535 So.2d at 921 ; Harris v. Best of America Inc., 466 So.2d at 1315 . 1996Riggins v. Dixie Shoring Co., Inc., 590 So.2d at 1168 ; Pine Tree Associates v. Doctors’ Associates, Inc., 94-1193 (La.App. 1st Cir. 4/7/95); 654 So.2d 735, 738-39 , writ denied, 95-1608 (La. 10/6/95); 661 So.2d 467 ; McLean v. Smith, 593 So.2d at 426; Jones v. Briley, 593 So.2d at 395; Chaney v. Godfrey, 535 So.2d at 921 ; Harris v. Best of America Inc., 466 So.2d at 1315 .	2	2
McDONOUGH MARINE SERV. a DIV. OF MARMAC CORP. v. Doucetgreen lactapp · 1996 · cited in 2 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 2008–2011 2 sentences 2011McDonough Marine Serv. v. Doucet, 95-2087, pp. 5-6 (La.App. 1st Cir.6/28/96), 694 So.2d 305 , 308-09. 2008McDonough, 95-2087 at p. 7, 694 So.2d at 309.	1	2
State v. Phillipsgreen lactapp · 2004 · cited in 1 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012 1 sentence 2012Riggins, 590 So.2d at 1168 ; Imperial Trading Co., 887 So.2d at 670.	1	1
Glazer v. Com'n on Ethics for Pub. Employeesgreen la · 1983 · cited in 1 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997 1 sentence 1997In Riggins, 590 So.2d at 1168 , the supreme court stated that "if the plaintiffs do not allege shareholder fraud, they bear a heavy burden of proving that the shareholders disregarded the corporate entity to such an extent that it ceased to become distinguishable from themselves." The Louisiana Supreme Court, in Glazer v. Commission on Ethics for Public Employees, 431 So.2d 752, 757-8 (La.1983), stated that: The policies behind recognition of a separate corporate existence must be balanced against the policies justifying piercing.	1	1
Kingsman Enterprises, Inc. v. Bakerfield Elec. Co., Inc.green lactapp · 1976 · cited in 1 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993 1 sentence 1993Kingsman Enterprises v. Bakerfield Electric Co., 339 So.2d 1280, 1282 (La.App. 1st Cir.1976).	1	1
Texas Industries, Inc. v. Dupuy & Dupuy Develop., Inc.green lactapp · 1969 · cited in 1 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 1975–1975	1	1

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

Case	Negative	Cited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Louisiana. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (31)

Case	Cited	Years
Pine Tree Associates v. DOCTORS'ASSOCIATES, INC. green lactapp · 1995 2 sentences 1997Although the Court has grave doubt that the plaintiffs can pierce the corporate veil, in view of the First Circuit decision in Pine Tree Associates v. Doctors' Associates, Inc., 94 CA 1193, 654 So.2d 735 (1 Cir. 1995), the Court is constrained to deny the Summary Judgment because the various factors to be considered in determining whether the alter ego doctrine should be applied must be shown by the mover on the Motion for Summary Judgment that there is no genuine issue of material fact as to each one of these factors. 1996Riggins v. Dixie Shoring Co., Inc., 590 So.2d at 1168 ; Pine Tree Associates v. Doctors’ Associates, Inc., 94-1193 (La.App. 1st Cir. 4/7/95); 654 So.2d 735, 738-39 , writ denied, 95-1608 (La. 10/6/95); 661 So.2d 467 ; McLean v. Smith, 593 So.2d at 426; Jones v. Briley, 593 So.2d at 395; Chaney v. Godfrey, 535 So.2d at 921 ; Harris v. Best of America Inc., 466 So.2d at 1315 .	3	1996–1997
Harris v. Best of America Inc. green lactapp · 1985 2 sentences 1996Riggins v. Dixie Shoring Co., Inc., 590 So.2d at 1168 ; Pine Tree Associates v. Doctors’ Associates, Inc., 94-1193 (La.App. 1st Cir. 4/7/95); 654 So.2d 735, 738-39 , writ denied, 95-1608 (La. 10/6/95); 661 So.2d 467 ; McLean v. Smith, 593 So.2d at 426; Jones v. Briley, 593 So.2d at 395; Chaney v. Godfrey, 535 So.2d at 921 ; Harris v. Best of America Inc., 466 So.2d at 1315 . 1987Louisiana courts have listed the following circumstances which, when viewed as part of the total circumstances in each individual case, justify the imposition of the alter ego doctrine: (1) Commingling of corporate and shareholder funds; (2) Failure to follow statutory formalities required for incorporation and for the transaction of corporate affairs; (3) Undercapitalization; (4) Failure to provide separate bank accounts and bookkeeping records; and (5) Failure to hold regular shareholder or director meetings. [ 466 So.2d at 1315 ] While the testimony in the instant case indicated that some P	3	1987–1996
Crutcher-Tufts Resources, Inc. v. Tufts green lactapp · 2008 2 sentences 2012Id.; Crutcher-Tufts Resources, Inc. v. Tufts, 2007-1556, p. 2 (La.App. 4 Cir. 9/17/08), 992 So.2d 1091, 1093 . 2010Crutcher-Tufts Resources, Inc., supra, 992 So.2d at 1094 .	2	2010–2012
Manning v. United Med. Corp. of New Orleans green lactapp · 2005 2 sentences 2010Riggins, supra; Manning v. United Medical Corp. of New Orleans, 04-0035, p. 9 (La.App. 4 Cir. 4/20/05), 902 So.2d 406, 412-13 . 2007Riggins, supra; Manning v. United Medical Corp. of New Orleans, 04-0035, p. 9 (La.App. 4 Cir. 4/20/05), 902 So.2d 406, 412-13 .	2	2007–2010
Pine Tree Associates v. Doctor's Associates, Inc. neutral la · 1995 2 sentences 1996Riggins v. Dixie Shoring Co., Inc., 590 So.2d at 1168 ; Pine Tree Associates v. Doctors' Associates, Inc., 94-1193 (La.App. 1st Cir. 4/7/95); 654 So.2d 735, 738-39 , writ denied, 95-1608 (La. 10/6/95); 661 So.2d 467 ; McLean v. Smith, 593 So.2d at 426; Jones v. Briley, 593 So.2d at 395; Chaney v. Godfrey, 535 So.2d at 921 ; Harris v. Best of America Inc., 466 So.2d at 1315 . 1996Riggins v. Dixie Shoring Co., Inc., 590 So.2d at 1168 ; Pine Tree Associates v. Doctors’ Associates, Inc., 94-1193 (La.App. 1st Cir. 4/7/95); 654 So.2d 735, 738-39 , writ denied, 95-1608 (La. 10/6/95); 661 So.2d 467 ; McLean v. Smith, 593 So.2d at 426; Jones v. Briley, 593 So.2d at 395; Chaney v. Godfrey, 535 So.2d at 921 ; Harris v. Best of America Inc., 466 So.2d at 1315 .	2	1996–1996
Chaney v. Godfrey green lactapp · 1988 2 sentences 1996Riggins v. Dixie Shoring Co., Inc., 590 So.2d at 1168 ; Pine Tree Associates v. Doctors' Associates, Inc., 94-1193 (La.App. 1st Cir. 4/7/95); 654 So.2d 735, 738-39 , writ denied, 95-1608 (La. 10/6/95); 661 So.2d 467 ; McLean v. Smith, 593 So.2d at 426; Jones v. Briley, 593 So.2d at 395; Chaney v. Godfrey, 535 So.2d at 921 ; Harris v. Best of America Inc., 466 So.2d at 1315 . 1996Riggins v. Dixie Shoring Co., Inc., 590 So.2d at 1168 ; Pine Tree Associates v. Doctors’ Associates, Inc., 94-1193 (La.App. 1st Cir. 4/7/95); 654 So.2d 735, 738-39 , writ denied, 95-1608 (La. 10/6/95); 661 So.2d 467 ; McLean v. Smith, 593 So.2d at 426; Jones v. Briley, 593 So.2d at 395; Chaney v. Godfrey, 535 So.2d at 921 ; Harris v. Best of America Inc., 466 So.2d at 1315 .	2	1996–1996
Fausse Riviere, L.L.C. v. Snyder green lactapp · 2017 1 sentence 2021Fausse Riviere, L.L.C., 211 So. 3d at 1193 .	1	2021–2021
Ogea v. Merritt green la · 2013 1 sentence 2020Following a five-day bench trial, the trial court rendered a judgment, dated September 26, 2018, in Mathes’ favor against Karlton/ISG for the sum of $944,669.23, together with “interest through May 21, 2018, at the contractual rate of eight percent (8%) per annum on the above sum, which interest shall continue to accrue from May 22, 2018 until paid” and costs to be taxed “within thirty (30) days of entry of this Judgment.” The trial court also ruled in Mathes’ favor on the alter ego claim, holding Members solidarily liable with Karlton/ISG for all amounts awarded to Mathes. 2 As the Louisiana	1	2020–2020
Korson v. Independence Mall I, Ltd. green lactapp · 1992 1 sentence 2015Id. .	1	2015–2015
Gordon v. Baton Rouge Stores Co. neutral la · 1929 1 sentence 2015Id., 04-2095 at pp. 8-9, 949 So.2d at 1275 .	1	2015–2015
Scott v. American Tobacco Co., Inc. green lactapp · 2007 1 sentence 2015Id., 04-2095 at pp. 8-9, 949 So.2d at 1275 .	1	2015–2015
Terrebonne Concrete, LLC v. CEC Enterprises, LLC green lactapp · 2011 1 sentence 2012Terrebonne Concrete, LLC v. CEC Enterprises, LLC, 11-0072 (La.App. 1 Cir. 8/17/11) , 76 So.3d 502, 507-08 , writ denied, 11-2021 (La.11/18/11), 75 So.3d 464 .	1	2012–2012
Terrebonne Concrete, LLC v. CEC ENTERPRISES, LLC neutral la · 2011 1 sentence 2012Terrebonne Concrete, LLC v. CEC Enterprises, LLC, 11-0072 (La.App. 1 Cir. 8/17/11) , 76 So.3d 502, 507-08 , writ denied, 11-2021 (La.11/18/11), 75 So.3d 464 .	1	2012–2012
Fg Bruschweiler (Antiques) v. Gba green lactapp · 2003 1 sentence 2009Id.	1	2009–2009
PHC-Minden, L.P. v. Kimberly-Clark Corp. green tex · 2007 2 sentences 2009Id. 2009Id.	1	2009–2009
Alomang v. Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. green lactapp · 2002 2 sentences 2008Alomang v. Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 2000-2099 (La.App. 4 Cir. 2/20/02) , 811 So.2d 98, 101 . 2008Alomang v. Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 2000-2099 (La.App. 4 Cir. 2/20/02) , 811 So.2d 98, 101 .	1	2008–2008
Smetherman v. Wilson green lactapp · 1993 1 sentence 1997The alter ego doctrine "involves the corporation's failure to conduct its business on a corporate footing, thereby disregarding the corporate entity to such an extent that the corporation ceases to be distinguishable from its shareholders." Id. at 73 .	1	1997–1997
Withers v. Timber Products, Inc. neutral la · 1991 1 sentence 1996Additionally, we distinguish Withers v. Timber Prods., Inc., 574 So.2d 1291 (La.App. 3 Cir.), writ denied, 580 So.2d 378 (La.1991), a worker's compensation suit which involved application of the alter ego doctrine, since that suit was heard by a district judge and not a hearing officer.	1	1996–1996
Withers v. Timber Products, Inc. green lactapp · 1991 1 sentence 1996Additionally, we distinguish Withers v. Timber Prods., Inc., 574 So.2d 1291 (La.App. 3 Cir.), writ denied, 580 So.2d 378 (La.1991), a worker's compensation suit which involved application of the alter ego doctrine, since that suit was heard by a district judge and not a hearing officer.	1	1996–1996
Lone Star Industries, Inc. v. American Chemical, Inc. green lactapp · 1984 1 sentence 1993Lone Star Industries, supra .	1	1993–1993
Cahn Elec. Appliance Co., Inc. v. Harper green lactapp · 1983 1 sentence 1991Appliance Co. v. Harper, 430 So.2d 143 (La.App. 2d Cir. 1983); Dillman v. Nobles, supra; Brown v. Benton Creosoting Co., 147 So.2d 89 (La.App. 2d Cir. 1962). [16] Some of the factors courts consider when determining whether to apply the alter ego doctrine include, but are not limited to: 1) commingling of corporate and shareholder funds; 2) failure to follow statutory formalities for incorporating and transacting corporate affairs; 3) undercapitalization; 4) failure to provide separate bank accounts and bookkeeping records; and 5) failure to hold regular shareholder and director meetings.	1	1991–1991
GI's Club of Slidell v. Am. Leg. Post 374 green lactapp · 1987	1	1991–1991
Dillman v. Nobles green lactapp · 1977 1 sentence 1991Appliance Co. v. Harper, 430 So.2d 143 (La.App. 2d Cir. 1983); Dillman v. Nobles, supra; Brown v. Benton Creosoting Co., 147 So.2d 89 (La.App. 2d Cir. 1962). [16] Some of the factors courts consider when determining whether to apply the alter ego doctrine include, but are not limited to: 1) commingling of corporate and shareholder funds; 2) failure to follow statutory formalities for incorporating and transacting corporate affairs; 3) undercapitalization; 4) failure to provide separate bank accounts and bookkeeping records; and 5) failure to hold regular shareholder and director meetings.	1	1991–1991
Brown v. Benton Creosoting Co. green lactapp · 1962	1	1991–1991
Smith-Hearron v. Frazier, Inc. green lactapp · 1978	1	1980–1980
Ogaard v. Wiley green lactapp · 1975	1	1980–1980
McGregor v. United Film Corp. green lactapp · 1977	1	1979–1979
Kavlich v. Kramer green la · 1975	1	1977–1977
King v. King green la · 1968	1	1977–1977
Gonzales v. Winn-Dixie Louisiana, Inc. green la · 1976	1	1977–1977
Lindstrom v. Sauer green lactapp · 1936	1	1963–1963

Statutes the citing opinions construe

LA § La. Rev. Stat. § 12:93 (11) LA § La. Rev. Stat. § 12:95 (9) LA § La. Rev. Stat. § 12:1320 (7) LA § La. Rev. Stat. § 12:21 (4) LA § La. Rev. Stat. § 12:91 (4) LA § La. Rev. Stat. § 1 (3) LA § La. Rev. Stat. § 13:4533 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CA 235 (1941–2026) TX 109 (1966–2026) LA 46 (1963–2024) GA 30 (1975–2026) NV 28 (1957–2024) IL 21 (1980–2024) UT 18 (1985–2026) CO 17 (1966–2020) OH 17 (1992–2022) NY 11 (1987–2024) KS 11 (1972–2025) FL 10 (1968–2019) ND 8 (2008–2023) PA 7 (2010–2021) NM 7 (1976–2025) WA 6 (1939–2024) IA 6 (1971–2024) KY 5 (2012–2025) TN 5 (2002–2022) DE 5 (2006–2024) CT 5 (1999–2022) AZ 5 (1989–2021) AK 4 (2002–2025) MO 4 (1994–2020) SC 4 (2004–2025) NC 4 (1939–2017) ID 4 (1979–2023) MI 3 (2008–2017) MD 3 (1987–1989) HI 3 (2003–2024) NJ 3 (1996–2021) IN 3 (2012–2019) VT 3 (1996–2001) OR 2 (1988–2020) WV 2 (1999–2015) MN 2 (1992–2010) WY 2 (2019–2021) MS 2 (2012–2014) OK 2 (2023–2023) VI 2 (2023–2023) WI 2 (1996–2023) NE 2 (1993–2002)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

← Caselaw search · G Cite Topics · Brief Check