10/07/2026
Most people have never seen how a medical malpractice case begins. Many assume it starts with a lawsuit. In Louisiana, it usually starts much more quietly than that.
The first step is listening. Someone often comes to us with pieces of a story and a feeling that something went wrong. Our job is to help put those pieces in order.
From there, the work becomes investigative. Medical records are requested and reviewed line by line so a clear timeline can be built. Qualified medical professionals then evaluate whether the care provided met the accepted standard, and whether a different decision could have changed the outcome.
Timing matters throughout. Louisiana generally allows one year from the date of an incident, or from its discovery, to begin a malpractice claim. That process typically starts with a request for a Medical Review Panel rather than a lawsuit.
Not every review leads to a case. Sometimes the records show a difficult outcome that was not caused by negligence. When that happens, we say so. Families deserve a clear answer either way.
If you have questions about a medical outcome, our team is available for consultations. Contact Wagar Hickman at 985-888-8740.