Medical Malpractice Lawyers in New Orleans

When you place your trust in a doctor, nurse, or hospital, you expect safe and competent care. Unfortunately, medical errors are among the leading causes of serious injury in the United States, and New Orleans is no exception. At Douglas & London, our medical malpractice lawyers in New Orleans stand up for patients harmed by negligence. From surgical errors to birth injuries, we fight aggressively to hold hospitals and providers accountable.

For more than two decades, our attorneys have recovered billions in settlements and verdicts for clients across the country. We bring the same commitment to every medical malpractice case in Louisiana. If you or a loved one was harmed by substandard care, call us today for a free consultation.

What Counts as Medical Malpractice in Louisiana?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in patient harm. Not every poor outcome qualifies as malpractice. To prove a claim in Louisiana, we must show:

  • A duty of care existed between the patient and the provider
  • That duty was breached by failing to follow accepted standards
  • The breach caused injury or worsened the patient’s condition
  • The injury resulted in damages such as medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering

Louisiana law requires medical malpractice cases first to be reviewed by a Medical Review Panel, a group of three doctors who evaluate the claim. Their opinion can influence settlement negotiations but does not prevent filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for cases like this is strict—generally one year from the date of the alleged malpractice, with few exceptions.

Common Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle

At Douglas & London, we represent clients in a wide range of malpractice claims, including:

  • Surgical Errors: Wrong-site surgery, retained surgical instruments, anesthesia mistakes
  • Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Failure to identify cancer, heart disease, or infections in time
  • Birth Injuries: Negligence before, during, or after delivery leading to conditions like cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy
  • Medication Errors: Wrong medication, dosage mistakes, or dangerous drug interactions
  • Hospital Negligence: Infections, understaffing, and failure to monitor patients properly

Each of these mistakes can have life-altering consequences. Our team investigates the specifics of every case thoroughly, gathering medical records, consulting independent professionals, and building a case for accountability.

Medical Malpractice in New Orleans

New Orleans Hospitals and Trauma Centers

New Orleans is home to several major hospitals where malpractice claims can arise. University Medical Center New Orleans serves as the city’s primary Level I trauma center. Ochsner Medical Center is one of the largest healthcare providers in the Gulf South. Tulane Medical Center and Touro Infirmary also treat thousands of patients each year. While these facilities provide critical services, errors do occur. Many of our clients sought care at these hospitals before realizing negligence had caused their injuries.

Louisiana-Specific Malpractice Laws

Louisiana has unique malpractice laws that differ from those of other states. For example, there is a cap of $500,000 on damages in most medical malpractice cases, not including future medical expenses. In addition, claims must also go through the Medical Review Panel process before proceeding to court. Understanding these rules is vital for anyone pursuing justice for medical malpractice in New Orleans.

Accessing Medical Records and Reports

To pursue a malpractice claim, patients need their medical records. In New Orleans, documents can be requested directly from hospitals such as Ochsner, Tulane, or University Medical Center. Our attorneys assist clients with this process, ensuring critical evidence is preserved before deadlines expire.

Consequences of Medical Malpractice Injuries

The impact of malpractice can be devastating. Victims may face:

  • Extended hospitalizations
  • Additional surgeries
  • Permanent disability
  • Emotional trauma
  • Loss of income or earning ability

For families, malpractice can also mean the loss of a loved one. In such cases, we pursue wrongful death claims to recover funeral costs, lost financial support, and damages for loss of companionship.

How Much Is a New Orleans Medical Malpractice Case Worth?

Every case is different. Compensation may include:

  • Economic Damages: Hospital bills, rehabilitation, lost income
  • Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional distress
  • Future Care Costs: Lifelong medical expenses for catastrophic injuries

While Louisiana law places a cap on most damages, our attorneys fight to maximize every dollar available under state law, including recovery of future medical care costs.

Why Choose Douglas & London in New Orleans?

We are not intimidated by large hospitals or their insurers. Douglas & London has a long history of securing multi-million-dollar recoveries for clients harmed by negligence. Our attorneys take the time to understand each client’s story, ensuring your voice is heard.

We combine aggressive representation with compassionate client service. From our offices in New York and beyond, we proudly represent victims of malpractice in New Orleans who deserve justice.

Call Our New Orleans Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one suffered harm because of a healthcare provider’s negligence, do not wait. The deadlines in Louisiana are short, and hospitals act quickly to protect themselves. Contact Douglas & London today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.