The following case highlights the critical role of expert testimony in medical malpractice lawsuits and the difficulty of succeeding on such claims without it. Case Background Claire James sued Dr. Shahed Jameel, alleging that his negligent care caused the death of her mother, Laura James. However, a Medical Review Panel…
Filing a medical malpractice claim in Louisiana involves navigating a complex process, including meeting strict deadlines. One crucial step is timely paying the filing fee to the Patient’s Compensation Fund Oversight Board (PCF Board). But does the “mailbox rule” apply to these payments? A recent Louisiana Court of Appeal case,…
In a significant development for medical malpractice litigation in Louisiana, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal recently reversed a summary judgment, underscoring the importance of thorough fact-finding and the potential need for expert testimony in such cases. The case, Diana Deruise-Pierce v. University Healthcare System, L.C., et al., underscores the…
In a recent Louisiana Court of Appeal decision, the court reinforced the importance of the Louisiana Medical Malpractice Act (LMMA) in determining the course of lawsuits against healthcare providers. The case involved a patient who allegedly suffered injuries due to a medical device used after surgery. Gregory Arrington, following surgery…
A recent Louisiana Court of Appeal decision has underscored the significance of expert testimony in medical malpractice cases. The case, Mariakis v. North Oaks Health System, involved a wrongful death lawsuit alleging that the hospital failed to provide adequate care, leading to the patient’s death. The trial court initially granted…
In the recent Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, decision of Guffey v. Lexington House, the court delved into the complexities of prescription (the Louisiana equivalent of a statute of limitations) in medical malpractice cases. This ruling provides valuable insights into the interplay between the Louisiana Medical Malpractice Act (LMMA)…
Over a decade after Hurricane Katrina, we have almost all heard of the difficult choices hospitals faced while trying to care for patients. This case involves a patient who was allegedly injured while being evacuated from a New Orleans hospital during Hurricane Katrina. Lionel Favret was admitted to the hospital…
When you think about medical malpractice lawsuits, a botched surgery or missed diagnosis are likely the first things that come to mind. The following case involves a less common situation involving purported medical malpractice involving physical therapy post-surgery. It analyzes the relationship between a doctor and a physical therapist and…
A visit to the hospital is a stressful and anxious time for patients and family members. Most people, however, assume that their doctors are competent and will administer the proper standard of care. This was not the case for Richard Smallwood. Smallwood fell at his home and sustained bilateral patella…
Medical professionals are expected to uphold a standard of care in their practice. Unfortunately, life can present us with unfortunate circumstances where this standard is not met. When we experience injuries or worse due to the actions of those responsible for our treatment, healing, or diagnosis, medical malpractice claims can…