For over 20 years, our medical malpractice lawyers in New Orleans have helped families recover after hospital negligence, surgical mistakes, and misdiagnoses.

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When you seek medical care, your goal is to heal—to feel better, not worse. But when a healthcare provider in Louisiana acts negligently, the consequences can be life-changing. Mistakes like misdiagnoses, surgical errors, or careless follow-up care can leave you facing new medical problems, emotional stress, and a growing pile of medical bills. Instead of answers, you’re often left with more confusion and uncertainty.

In these difficult moments, a trusted New Orleans medical malpractice lawyer can make a real difference. With experience in complex medical cases, the right legal team can investigate whether malpractice occurred and identify who may be responsible. They work closely with independent medical experts to evaluate your care and build a strong, evidence-backed case on your behalf.

Navigating Louisiana’s legal system—especially the Medical Review Panel process—can be overwhelming, particularly when you’re already dealing with the aftermath of poor medical treatment. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through this process, ensuring all legal deadlines are met and your rights are protected every step of the way.

Perhaps most importantly, your legal team can stand up to hospitals and insurance companies that often try to delay, deny, or minimize your claim. With skilled representation, you don’t have to face them alone.

You’ve suffered enough. With the right support, you can take the first step toward recovery—knowing someone is fighting for the justice you deserve.

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Real Medical Malpractice Settlements

$17 Million
Negligence: Settlement After Mediation
$10 Million
Faulty Vehicle Repair: Settlement
$1.2 Million
Inattentive Driving: Jury Verdict
$Multi-million
Car Insurance Claim: Settlement After Mediation

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Helpful Resources for Medical Malpractice Victims in New Orleans

Helpful Medical Malpractice Articles

How Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest Can Help You

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of medical negligence, you need more than answers—you need a legal team that knows how to uncover the truth, build a strong case, and demand real results.

We understand the impact medical negligence can have on every aspect of your life—from your health and livelihood to your sense of trust in the system meant to protect you. That’s why we approach every case with compassion, determination, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

At Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest, we bring over two decades of experience representing victims of medical malpractice in New Orleans. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

We Listen First– Our New Orleans medical malpractice lawyers begin by reviewing your case in detail. We take the time to understand what happened, review your records, and evaluate whether a provider failed to meet the medical standard of care.

We Build the Case– We work closely with independent medical experts to analyze your treatment, identify negligent actions, and document how those errors affected your health, finances, and future.

We Handle the Insurance Companies– Hospitals and insurers often push back hard in malpractice cases. When insurance companies or hospitals try to minimize your losses, we step in and fight back.

We Prepare for Trial– Many cases have been settled, but not all of them have been settled. If your case goes to court, we’re fully prepared to take it to trial and fight for justice on your behalf.
You’ll always know where your case stands and who’s on your side. We provide direct attorney access, clear communication, and focused representation built around your needs.

Legal Process for Medical Malpractice Cases in New Orleans

Here is a diagram in markdown mermaid syntax that illustrates the general steps involved in the legal process for Medical Malpractice Cases in New Orleans

What to Expect in a New Orleans Medical Malpractice Case

Every medical malpractice case follows a series of critical steps—and understanding the process can make a stressful situation feel more manageable. At Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest, we walk you through every phase with clarity, so you’re never left guessing.

New Orleans Car Accident Case Process:

The process begins with a free consultation, during which our medical malpractice attorneys in Louisiana review your care, injuries, and possible negligence. If your case is viable, we conduct a thorough investigation, gathering medical records, timelines, and expert opinions to identify what went wrong and who is responsible. If we believe malpractice occurred, we present your case to a Louisiana Medical Review Panel, a required first step in nearly all malpractice lawsuits filed in the state.

Once the panel review is complete, we either move into negotiations or prepare for trial. Whether your case settles or goes to court, our team stays focused on securing the best possible outcome for you with transparency, diligence, and personal commitment.

Recognized Among the Top New Orleans Medical Malpractice Lawyers for Results and Integrity

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What Clients Say About Working with Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest

Bart and his team were wonderful to work with. It was clear that their vision and determination to fight for our case, is why we were able to reach a settlement, where my previous attorney was not.

- C. Perez
Bart Kelly and his legal team reevaluated my case after another attorney backed away from a legal challenge, I just want to say Thank You to mr kelly and his team for the hard work and dedication to my case to make it successful. Thank You

- N. Gex
Bart and his team were wonderful to work with. It was clear that their vision and determination to fight for our case, is why we were able to reach a settlement, where my previous attorney was not.

- C. Perez

New Orleans & Louisiana Medical Malpractice Statistics

Louisiana consistently leads the nation in reported medical malpractice actions. Between 2013 and 2023, the state averaged approximately 28.6 Adverse Action Reports (AARs) per 100,000 residents—the highest rate nationally—totaling around 1,330 annual reports filed with the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB).

All medical malpractice claims in Louisiana must first go through a Medical Review Panel, the official body responsible for evaluating case validity before any lawsuit proceeds. doa.la.gov
Since 1975, state law also caps “general damages” (compensation for pain, suffering, etc.) at $500,000, a limit that has not increased despite inflation and rising medical costs.

Given Louisiana’s consistently high rate of malpractice reports, patients here face greater risks and more challenging legal hurdles. From mandatory review panels to outdated compensation caps, the system is stacked against victims. Our firm has handled numerous cases in this complex legal environment, helping injured patients navigate Louisiana’s strict rules for medical malpractice lawsuits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Malpractice in New Orleans

What qualifies as medical malpractice in Louisiana?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider in New Orleans or elsewhere in Louisiana fails to meet the accepted standard of care and causes injury. Examples include surgical errors, misdiagnoses, delayed treatment, or failure to monitor a patient properly.

How do I prove medical negligence happened?

To prove malpractice, you must show that the provider owed you a duty of care, breached that duty caused harm, and resulted in damages. A medical expert is usually required to validate the claim.

What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you typically have one year from the date the malpractice occurred—or when it was discovered—to file a claim. However, all claims must be filed within three years, regardless of discovery.

Do all malpractice claims go through a Medical Review Panel?

Yes. Louisiana law requires most claims to be reviewed by a Medical Review Panel before you can file a lawsuit. The panel issues an opinion on whether the provider met the standard of care.

What damages can I recover in a malpractice case?

You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, disability, and future care needs. Louisiana caps general damages at $500,000 but allows complete recovery of medical costs.

How long do malpractice cases take to resolve?

Most malpractice lawsuits in New Orleans take 12–24 months, factoring in expert review, insurance negotiation, and possible trial. The Medical Review Panel process can add several months upfront.

Can I sue a hospital for medical malpractice?

Yes. Our hospital negligence lawyers in Louisiana handle claims involving systematic errors, negligent staff, or administrative failures. Depending on the circumstances, claims can be brought against individual providers, hospitals, or both.

How much does it cost to hire Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only collect fees if we win your case. Your consultation is free, and we’ll explain all costs clearly before you begin.