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A New Orleans Personal Injury and Accident Lawyer Answers Frequently Asked Questions

Suffering a physical or emotional injury after an accident caused by someone else's negligence is an overwhelming and confusing experience. Victims may have many questions in regards to potential medical malpractice or personal injury lawsuits. For those who have been in an accident, a lawyer from our New Orleans firm can help. Serving Metairie, Kenner, and the surrounding areas as well, the team at Harrell & Nowak answers frequently asked questions below.

What is the time frame after I am injured to file a suit?

In Louisiana you have one year from the time you knew or should have known of potential malpractice to bring a claim. If you do not file a claim within that time frame, you will be barred from bringing the claim. Because the time frame to file a claim is so short, it is best to contact a personal injury and accident lawyer at our New Orleans firm, serving Metairie, Kenner, and surrounding neighborhoods, as soon as you believe you have been injured.

What is the first step to take if you believe you have been the victim of a medical mistake or error?

One of the most important pieces of evidence in a medical malpractice case is the medical record. Without an accurate copy of your medical record, it will be almost impossible to prove your medical malpractice case. Most hospitals and physician offices are aware of requests for medical records made by an attorney. That's why it's important for you to get a copy of the medical record from the hospital and the doctor rather than waiting for the attorney to get your record. If asked, you can simply inform the healthcare provider that you need a copy of the records for insurance purposes.

How much will it cost me to file a case?

Most medical malpractice cases are handled on a contingency basis. This means that we will advance the costs of bringing the case. Also, our attorneys don't collect any fees unless you are awarded damages. If you'd like more information on fees, contact a personal injury and accident lawyer at our New Orleans practice.

How much is my case worth?

Each case is unique. In Louisiana, the Medical Malpractice Act places a cap of $500,000 on a victim's recovery for damages resulting from medical malpractice. The cap does not include past and future medical costs. While the legal system cannot turn back the clock or make you healthier, we promise to give it our all to help maximize your recovery for the pain and suffering you endured.

What is the typical duration of a case?

The average medical malpractice case can last from four to six years. There are several reasons for this. First, a claimant cannot file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Louisiana without first presenting the claim to a Medical Review Panel. Second, doctors and hospitals don't like to lose a malpractice case, so they fight hard and use every legal tactic to delay and postpone your case. Third, because these cases involve expert testimony from physicians, it can take months to coordinate schedules and to find a date to hold the trial.

Other types of cases, such as insurance disputes, premises liability, or car accidents, may take shorter or longer. Contact our firm for more details.

Contact a Personal Injury and Accident Attorney Serving Metairie, Kenner, Surrounding Areas

If you'd like to consult with a personal injury and accident lawyer at our New Orleans firm, serving Metairie, Kenner, and nearby areas, please contact us today. A member of our legal team would be happy to discuss your claim in a confidential and comfortable setting.

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If you have been injured in a serious accident, you'll need legal representation from experienced, determined lawyers. New Orleans firm Harrell & Nowak serves Metairie, Kenner, Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, and other areas throughout the region. Make the smart choice and contact Harrell & Nowak to represent you.

Harrell & Nowak
Suite 2107
650 Poydras St.
New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone: (504) 522-7885
Fax: (504) 528-3131