When a medical provider fails to provide an accepted standard of care, the consequences can be devastating. Victims of medical malpractice face worsened conditions, permanent disabilities, and even death.
When an injury happens because of a medical provider’s negligence or reckless actions, victims have the right to pursue compensation for their suffering. That’s where Dudley DeBosier comes in.
We are committed to helping medical malpractice victims in Shreveport get the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or harm to the patient. Proving medical malpractice is a complex process that requires establishing four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The healthcare provider owed a duty to the patient.
- Breach of Duty: The provider failed to meet the standard of care.
- Causation: This breach directly caused the patient’s injury.
- Damages: The patient suffered harm or losses as a result.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice
There are many different forms of medical malpractice. The most common examples of medical malpractice include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can lead to incorrect or delayed treatment — resulting in a series of devastating consequences.
- Surgical errors such as wrong-site surgery, leaving surgical instruments inside the body, or anesthesia mistakes cause irreparable harm.
- Medication errors where patients receive the wrong prescription, incorrect dosages, or flawed administration are serious mistakes that justify filing a malpractice claim.
- Birth injuries involve harm to the baby or mother during childbirth — including brachial plexus injuries and cerebral palsy.
- Failure to treat means the healthcare worker didn’t provide adequate or timely medical treatment.
- Hospital-acquired infections are infections caused by unsanitary conditions or medical negligence.
- Nursing home negligence includes inadequate care, abuse, or neglect in nursing homes.
Seeking Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases
Victims of medical malpractice face serious physical, emotional, and financial challenges. It’s important for victims to consult an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to learn if they are entitled to various types of compensation. Those include:
- Medical Expenses: Covering surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for income lost due to the injury and potential future earnings
- Home Modifications or Assistive Devices: Costs for necessary adjustments like wheelchairs or home modifications
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Including transportation to medical appointments
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain endured
- Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish: Addressing the psychological impact of the malpractice
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For diminished ability to enjoy daily activities
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on relationships with loved ones
As this list of damages shows, medical malpractice can have long-term impacts that go beyond immediate medical bills. Our medical malpractice lawyers can assess both current and future needs.
A thorough assessment of the harm suffered is the only way victims seek compensation that fully accounts for ongoing medical care, lost ability to earn, and other future needs. Without a thorough evaluation by an experienced legal team, victims may settle for far less than what they truly need to rebuild their lives.
Louisiana’s Medical Malpractice Laws
Louisiana law limits the time a victim has to file a medical malpractice claim. Under state law, a malpractice suit against a healthcare provider must be filed within one year of the act of negligence or within one year of discovering the harm. However, no matter when the injury is discovered, no claim can be filed more than three years after the negligence occurred.
Louisiana also places caps on damages like pain and suffering. Given these deadlines and requirements, having an experienced attorney on your side is your best chance to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
How Dudley DeBosier Can Help
At Dudley DeBosier, we have extensive experience handling complex medical malpractice cases. Our commitment to personalized legal representation means we treat clients like family — ensuring no stone is left unturned when handling their claims. Our process includes:
- Investigating medical records and gathering evidence
- Consulting with medical experts to establish negligence
- Negotiating with insurance companies and defense attorneys
- Pursuing litigation in court if necessary to ensure fair compensation
We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why you won’t pay us upfront. Our fee is contingent on outcome, which ensures that you can focus on your recovery while we focus on getting you the compensation you need.
Contact Dudley DeBosier Today
If you or a loved one has been affected by medical malpractice in Shreveport, don’t hesitate to get the legal guidance you need. Contact Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our team is here to help you through this challenging time and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
