Medical Malpractice Attorney New Orleans, Lousiana
Being a victim of medical malpractice can be devastating for you and your family. It happens when a healthcare professional deviates from the standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a medical professional's negligence, you need immediate legal assistance.
The Corrington Law Firm offers comprehensive personal injury and medical practice services in New Orleans and across Louisiana. With over 25 years of experience in personal injury law, the firm has a proven track record of securing justice for clients.
Why Do You Need Legal Assistance for Medical Malpractice?
Dealing with the after-effects of medical malpractice is tough. These cases require a thorough understanding of both medical and legal principles. An attorney can help you gather evidence, work with medical experts, and build a strong case to recover damages. You must act quickly because Louisiana law imposes strict deadline for filing a malpractice claim.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
If you have been a victim of medical malpractice, Louisiana law allows for compensation in the form of economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, loss of income or earning capacity, and other tangible losses.
Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other intangible harms. In rare cases where the healthcare professional's conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may also be awarded.
How Medical Malpractice is Defined in Louisiana
Louisiana defines medical malpractice as any act or omission by a healthcare provider that falls below the accepted standard of care. This includes errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management.
State law requires that medical malpractice claims be filed within one year from the date of the alleged act or discovery of the injury. There is also a three-year statute of repose, meaning no action can be brought more than three years after the alleged malpractice, regardless of when the injury was discovered.
The state mandates that all medical malpractice claims be reviewed by a medical review panel before proceeding to court. This panel consists of three healthcare providers and one attorney who evaluate the merits of the case. The findings of this panel are admissible in court but are not binding.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice Cases
Medical malpractice encompasses a wide range of potential errors by healthcare providers, including:
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: Failure to diagnose a condition can lead to wrong treatment, worsening the patient's situation.
Surgical errors: Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, can have life-threatening consequences.
Medication errors: Incorrect prescription or dosage can cause severe adverse reactions or fail to treat the underlying condition.
Birth injuries: Negligence during childbirth can result in serious injuries to both the mother and child.
Anesthesia errors: Mistakes with anesthesia can lead to permanent injury or death.
Failure to obtain informed consent: Performing medical procedures without obtaining the patient's informed consent can lead to liability if the patient suffers harm as a result.
Hospital-acquired infections: Poor sanitation practices or inadequate post-operative care leading to infections that could have been prevented with proper care and protocols.
Premature discharge: Releasing a patient from the hospital too soon without adequate evaluation can result in severe complications or the need for readmission.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Medical Malpractice
If you believe you have been a victim of medical malpractice, you must act promptly. Here are some steps you should consider:
1. Obtain your medical records: Secure copies of your medical records to document the care you received.
2. Consult another medical professional: Get a second opinion to assess the validity of your concerns.
3. Document everything: Keep detailed notes of your symptoms, communications with healthcare providers, and other relevant information.
4. Contact a medical malpractice attorney: Seek legal advice to understand your rights and avenues for recourse.
5. Avoid talking with insurance companies: Refrain from speaking with insurance adjusters or signing any documents without consulting an attorney first, as they may use your statements against you.
6. Preserve evidence: Keep any physical evidence related to your case, such as medication bottles, medical devices, or photographs of injuries, as these can be crucial in supporting your claim.
Seeking Compensation in Medical Malpractice Cases
Victims of medical malpractice in Louisiana may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
Medical expenses: Coverage for both past and future medical costs associated with the malpractice.
Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to inability to work.
Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress suffered because of the malpractice.
Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact on familial relationships.
Rehabilitation costs: Financial support for rehabilitation services and therapies required to recover from the injury or manage long-term effects.
Future earning capacity: Compensation reflecting the reduction in ability to earn a living in the future due to the lasting effects of the malpractice.
Medical Malpractice Attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Corrington Law Firm in New Orleans delivers outstanding legal services to its clients, marked by professionalism and personalized attention. Since its founding in 1998, the firm has helped countless clients across Louisiana secure compensation in personal injury cases The firm prioritizes building enduring client relationships founded on trust and legal excellence. With a history of significant recoveries over the past 25 years, the Corrington Law Firm remains committed to achieving tangible results and client satisfaction.