Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans v. Louisiana Gas Service Co.

The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans (plaintiff) bought a 13-building apartment complex from HUD on the condition that it be used entirely as low-income housing for 200 families. Louisiana Gas Service Co.'s (defendant) faulty equipment started a fire in one building. The Church fully restored that building and sued Louisiana Gas for the renovation cost. The trial court found the restoration cost exceeded the single building's pre-fire value, so it capped the Church's recovery at the cost to restore the building minus depreciation. The court of appeal affirmed, and the Louisiana Supreme Court granted review.