Medical Malpractice Lawyer  | New Orleans, Louisiana
PERSONAL INJURY:  Medical Malpractice

Many serious personal injury cases arise out of medical malpractice.  Injuries that can arise out of medical malpractice are numerous and often are severe in nature.  Medical malpractice is a term of art used to describe a heathcare provider's negligence or misconduct which results in personal injury.  Injuries related to medical malpractice often do not arise until sometime after the negligent act.  For example, say a surgeon inadvertently leaves a surgical sponge in his patient's stomach, the patient may not develop health issues until long after the surgery.  This is one reason why Louisiana law provide that the victim of medical malpractice usually has one year within the date of discovery of the malpractice to bring his/her lawsuit.  Generally speaking, the date of discovery commences on the first date on which the medical malpractice victim either knew or should have known that their personal injury may be related to medical malpractice.  This date of discovery is a fluid concept, however, and one which often is not clear in any given case.  Therefore, it is imperative that you seek advice from an attorney/lawyer as soon as you believe that your personal injury may be related to medical malpractice. 

It also is important that you contact an Louisiana attorney who is competent to handle medical malpractice cases.  Cases involving medical malpractice require an understanding both of the medical related issues as well as the legal procedure involved in bringing a medical malpractice claim.  For example, unlike most personal injury cases in Louisiana, claims involving acts of medical malpractice, generally speaking, must be presented to a medical review panel before suit can be filed.  The medical review panel is composed of three doctors who have experience in the area of the alleged malpractice.  These three panelists meet and review each party's submission of evidence and then offer an opinion as to whether there was a breach of the standard of care, and whether such breach caused the resultant damages to the plaintiff.  Regardless of the panel's findings, however, once the panel has issued their opinion, the claimant can bring a medical malpractice lawsuit.  Of course, if a panelist finds in favor of the plaintiff, it will benefit their case as the medical panel's finding usually may be introduced as evidence in court.

Richard Voorhies, Attorney at Law, has experience in medical malpractice cases and can provide you with representation in this area of the law.  Richard has handled medical malpractice cases occurring in New Orleans, Mandeville, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and surrounding areas of Louisiana.  Furthermore, Richard has the resources and knowledge necessary to try your medical malpractice case in the event that the defendant does not come forward with an adequate settlement offer in advance of trial.