Louisiana Medical Malpractice Legal Questions

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12 legal questions have been posted about medical malpractice by real users in Louisiana. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include dental malpractice, birth injuries, and failure to diagnose. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.
Louisiana Medical Malpractice Questions & Legal Answers
Do you have any Louisiana Medical Malpractice questions and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 12 previously answered Louisiana Medical Malpractice questions.

Recent Legal Answers

Do I have a case?

Answered 11 years and 2 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
You should look for a lawyer in your state who handles nursing home malpractice cases. These cases are very different from medical malpractice cases. The standard of care is governed by federal regulations. Also, many states allow for fee shifting in these cases which changes the equation for determining whether or not a given case is financially viable. Click here, here  and here for more information about me. Click here for summaries of some of the cases that I have litigated. Click here to review articles that I have published. Since I am a lawyer, I need to advise you of the following when I communicate with you: Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Click here for my website. ... Read More
You should look for a lawyer in your state who handles nursing home malpractice cases. These cases are very different from medical malpractice cases.... Read More

Do I have a malpractice case?

Answered 11 years and 8 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
The usual presentation of a patient who was suffering from gallstones include symptoms of pain in the upper abdomen and upper back, nausea, vomiting, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, and gas. So, gallstones should have been in the differential diagnosis of the physicians. I think the real question in the case is whether it is financially viable because presumably you would've needed surgery if the diagnosis was earler. Consequently, assuming there was no permanent harm the damages in the case amount to two months of pain and suffering. I wouldn't take on a case like that, but financial viability is a judgment call. The articles below explain this in more detail.   Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. This discusses the issue of financial viability. Click here for an article that explains what you can and should expect when pursuing a medical malpractice case. Click here, here  and here for more information about me. Click here for summaries of some of the cases that I have litigated. Click here to review articles that I have published. Since I am a lawyer, I need to advise you of the following when I communicate with you: Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Click here for my website. ... Read More
The usual presentation of a patient who was suffering from gallstones include symptoms of pain in the upper abdomen and upper back, nausea, vomiting,... Read More

My son have birth defect we learned about a year later we seen numerous doctors and all said nothing wrong well since he was not diagnosed at birth

Answered 12 years and 9 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
While craniosynostosis is not always evident at birth, it is usually something that becomes apparent in the first few months of a child's life. Common signs and symptoms, according to the literature include: A misshapen skull, with the shape depending on which of the cranial sutures are affected, An abnormal feeling or disappearing "soft spot" (fontanel) on your baby's skull Slow or no growth of the head as your baby grows Development of a raised, hard ridge along affected sutures Increased pressure within the skull (intracranial pressure)  If you want to investigate a malpractice case, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts,  ideally with experience in cases that involve your medical issue.   If you are unable to find a lawyer who meets these qualifications within your state, sometimes you may contact an out of state lawyer who can refer you to a qualified attorney in your state while providing support related to the issues of medicine. Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well.     Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. This discusses the issue of financial viability. Click here for an article that explains what you can and should expect when pursuing a medical malpractice case. Click here, here  and here for more information about me. Click here for summaries of some of the cases that I have litigated. Since I am a lawyer, I need to advise you of the following when I communicate with you: Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Click here for my website. ... Read More
While craniosynostosis is not always evident at birth, it is usually something that becomes apparent in the first few months of a child's life.... Read More

the doctor for forget to do part of the procedure and has to do a second surgery .

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Assuming the first surgery was negligent, you are still going to have a hard time getting an attorney to take the case if the second surgery cured the problem, because the absence of permanent damages  probably makes the case financially non-viable. Articles below discuss this in detail.  If you want to investigate a malpractice case, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts,  ideally with experience in cases that involve your medical issue. If you are unable to find a lawyer who meets these qualifications within your state, sometimes you may contact an out of state lawyer who can refer you to a qualified attorney in your state while providing support related to the issues of medicine. Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. This discusses the issue of financial viability. Click here for an article that explains what you can and should expect when pursuing a medical malpractice case. Click here, here  and here for more information about me. Click here for summaries of some of the cases that I have litigated. Since I am a lawyer, I need to advise you of the following when I communicate with you: Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Click here for my website. ... Read More
Assuming the first surgery was negligent, you are still going to have a hard time getting an attorney to take the case if the second surgery cured... Read More

At what age should a surgeon stop performing surgeries ?

Answered 13 years ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
If the surgeon has a history of surgical errors then it is possible that you have a negligent credentialing claim against the hospital that let him perform surgery, but a more direct question is whether he did something wrong during your surgical procedure. If you are still in a wheelchair a year after the surgery and you have reason to suspect that the procedure was performed negligently, then you may have a malpractice case against the surgeon. If an attorney pursues that case, he will learn about the doctor's malpractice history and he may investigate a negligent credentialing case in conjunction with a direct claim against the surgeon.  If you want to investigate a malpractice case, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts,  ideally with experience in cases that involve your medical issue. If you are unable to find a lawyer who meets these qualifications within your state, sometimes you may contact an out of state lawyer who can refer you to a qualified attorney in your state while providing support related to the issues of medicine. Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here and here for more information about me. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read More
If the surgeon has a history of surgical errors then it is possible that you have a negligent credentialing claim against the hospital that let him... Read More

pregnant after tubes where tied

Answered 13 years and a month ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Even if done correctly, tubal ligation is not 100% effective. Most medical information sites describe the success rate at 99%. Additionally, there are different methods of performing the procedure that can decrease the success rate. In general, the risk of failure increases over time. Finally, a good portion of these procedures (12-15%) can result in ectopic pregnancies. To determine whether you have a viable medical malpractice case, an attorney will have to have an expert review all of the pertinent records to ascertain whether the pregnancy was the result of a negligently performed procedure. Two other big questions will be whether your state recognizes a cause of action for “wrongful birth,” and what damages you may be entitled to if your state does. If you think that you may have a viable malpractice case, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts. If you are unable to find a lawyer who meets these qualifications within your state, sometimes you may contact an out of state lawyer who can refer you to a qualified attorney in your state while providing support related to the issues of medicine. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. This discusses the issue of financial viability. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here and here for more information about me. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com.... Read More
Even if done correctly, tubal ligation is not 100% effective. Most medical information sites describe the success rate at 99%. Additionally, there... Read More

Can someone in Louisiana get an attorney outside the state?

Answered 13 years and 3 months ago by Sarah Reese (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
I am sorry to hear about  your sister.  You can hire an attorney located outside the state, as long as they are licensed to practice in Louisiana.  You will probably be able to easily find some Texas and/or Mississippi attorneys who are licensed in Louisiana as well.   However, they may still be unwilling to accept the case.  Best of luck! NOTE:  This response is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice.  No attorney client relationship exists or is formed by this response. ... Read More
I am sorry to hear about  your sister.  You can hire an attorney located outside the state, as long as they are licensed to practice in... Read More

do I have a case

Answered 13 years and 4 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Did he offer you some kind of reason for why he failed to address the hernia during the initial surgery? If accepted standards of care required him to deal with the hernia, then you may have a medical malpractice case, although the question will be whether it is financially viable if the second surgery cured all of the problems. If you want to investigate a case further, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.  Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here and here for more information about me. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read More
Did he offer you some kind of reason for why he failed to address the hernia during the initial surgery? If accepted standards of care required him... Read More

Do I need a lawyer to help get situated for the medical review panel?

Answered 13 years and 5 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
You should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.  Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here and here for more information about me. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read More
You should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only... Read More

do i have a cASE IF I SUE MY DOCTOR FOR DOING SURGRY ON ME 4 TIMES AND GOT A BAD INFECTION SO HE HAD TO CUT ME AGAIN,AND HE WORKS FOR THE SAME HOSPIT

Answered 13 years and 6 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Wound infections following surgery can happened in the absence of negligence.  Without more information it is hard to tell you whether you have a viable medical malpractice case.  If you want to investigate a claim,  You should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.  Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here for more information about me. Click here for more information about my firm. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read More
Wound infections following surgery can happened in the absence of negligence.  Without more information it is hard to tell you whether you have... Read More

Is it malpractice if a specialist in spine/nerves said there is nothing wrong with you and everything you feel is normal and later it worsens?

Answered 13 years and 7 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
The behavior of the nerve specialist is pretty audacious. I can't fathom why a doctor who assumed you were injured enough to provide you with injections into your spine would later say that you did not have a spinal problem.  I think if you pursue a case, the big problem you are going to have to deal with is the issue of proximate cause. When you began experiencing radiculopathy (nerve firing into legs) that was a sign that you your condition deteriorated. The argument will be that you would have needed spinal surgery irrespective of whether or not you were removed off of the profile as a result of the doctor's errant diagnosis.  If you want to investigate a case, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.  Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here for more information about me. Click here for more information about my firm. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read More
The behavior of the nerve specialist is pretty audacious. I can't fathom why a doctor who assumed you were injured enough to provide you with... Read More

i went to a neruosurgen for back problems,in which he told me doing a bone fushion was my ONLY choice.

Answered 13 years and 10 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Obviously, if the surgeon really performed unnecessary spinal surgery on you then you have a potential medical malpractice case and you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney.In my experience, doctors are often much more critical of other physicians during off the record conversations with patients than they are after a lawsuit is filed. Spinal surgery is rarely completely successful and many people undergoing fusions are disappointed in the outcome. This does not mean, however, that the doctor perform the surgery negligently.Only by examining your medical records and speaking to an expert will an attorney be able to tell you whether you have a viable malpractice case. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com... Read More
Obviously, if the surgeon really performed unnecessary spinal surgery on you then you have a potential medical malpractice case and you should... Read More