Best Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Louisiana
David A. Bowling
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
David A. Bowling attended Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated cum laude in Philosophy in May 1980. Mr. Bowling graduated from Tulane University School of Law in May 1983 and was admitted to the Bar in October 1983. Mr. Bowling became a member of the Bar of the state of Mississippi in September 1998. For many years, Mr. Bowling has enjoyed Martindale-Hubbell’s highest A-V Preeminent rating. Mr. Bowling has been selected to the list of Louisiana Super Lawyers for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. He was also invited to join the American Board of Trial Advocates in recognition of his extensive jury trial experience. He was also recently inducted as a Fellow of The American College of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only organization of trial lawyers limited to 1% of the lawyer population of any state of province.
Mr. Bowling has extensive experience handling medical malpractice claims and complex catastrophic injury cases, including those involving birth asphyxia/hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. Mr. Bowling also has considerable expertise in the field of maritime personal injury law. This includes trial and appellate experience litigating issues pertaining to maritime law. He has litigated throughout trial and appeal issues pertaining to the Jones Act, the doctrines of unseaworthiness and maintenance and cure, the application of the maritime collateral source rule to employee benefits, the effect of the violation of federal regulations on the comparative negligence of seamen, and other questions of admiralty law.
Mr. Bowling is actively involved in continuing legal education not only for himself but for other lawyers as well. He is frequently invited to speak to other lawyers on a broad range of topics in personal injury law, medical malpractice, legal ethics, and jury trial presentation.
Mr. Bowling is admitted to practice before all Federal courts in the states of Mississippi and Louisiana, the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Bowling is also admitted to practice before all state courts in Mississippi and Louisiana.
Andretta Breaux-Atkins
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Andretta Breaux-Atkins is a native of Plaquemine, Louisiana. After graduating from Plaquemine High School, Andretta continued her education at Louisiana State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology in 1999. Additionally, Andretta received her Paralegal Certificate from Louisiana State University in 2001. Andretta began her law school matriculation in August of 2012 and received her Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center in January of 2016, graduating cum laude. While in law school, she was an SULC Evening Division Representative for 2014-2015 and also represented SULC for the American Bar Association Judicial Clerkship Program in Houston, Texas in 2015. Andretta was selected as a fellow for Loyola Institute of Politics, Class of 2019-2020 and Leadership Iberville, Class of 2019-2020.
Andretta began her legal career as a Legal Secretary for the Law Office of Vincent J. DeSalvo in 1997. In addition, she has also served in positions of Paralegal and Office Manager. Presently, Andretta is an Associate Attorney, whereby her practice focuses on automobile and 18-wheeler accidents.
Andretta is a member Greater Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, where she serves as recording secretary and a member of Tau Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Andretta is married to Cory Atkins.
Andretta’s hobbies include reading, traveling abroad, dining out, attending the Saints’ sporting events and spending quality time with her family and friends.
SPENCER H. CALAHAN
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
A native of Denver, Colorado, Spencer H. Calahan has lived in Louisiana since 1986. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with minors in Business and Biology from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He later earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, LA. Spencer is also an FAA licensed, commercial pilot with an Instrument rating. This allows the firm the flexibility to travel virtually anywhere in the continental U.S. on short notice when a case requires mobility.
Spencer H. Calahan founded the Law Offices of Spencer H. Calahan, L.L.C. in 2000 after spending the first years of his legal career in the field of insurance defense. Having witnessed first-hand the questionable tactics employed by some insurance companies in personal injury cases, Spencer decided to utilize his legal talents to represent the interests of injured victims and families. Because of our experience, we know how to anticipate and handle the strategies employed by large corporations and insurance companies. We are pleased to proclaim that we are exclusively a plaintiff law firm handling only the claims of real people confronting real emotional, medical, and legal issues.
On a personal level, Spencer is married to his wife, Gina (who is also an FAA licensed pilot), and they are the proud parents of three (3) beautiful children. He has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys hunting, fishing, scuba diving, spear fishing and flying. Above all, he enjoys spending time with his family.
Spencer Calahan is a member of the Louisiana Bar Association, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the Baton Rouge Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Louisiana Association for Justice and the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association. Our firm welcomes cases and clients from throughout the state of Louisiana since he is licensed in all of our State’s district and Federal Courts. Our auto injury lawyer will review the facts and law with you for your FREE case evaluation. Watch the videos of Spencer Calahan on our FAQ page for general info about personal injury cases.
Peyton Murphy
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Born and raised in south Louisiana, Peyton Murphy knew from an early age he wanted to help people by becoming a lawyer. After graduating from LSU in 1988, Peyton Murphy obtained his law degree from the prestigious Tulane School of Law in 1991.
After graduating from Tulane, Peyton was licensed as an attorney in Connecticut and Louisiana. Peyton served as a judicial clerk for a state district judge and later worked for an insurance defense firm.
Additionally, Peyton and Murphy Law Firm have always strived to be good stewards for our communities. Giving back to the community has always been a priority. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Peyton wanted to make sure the community had the proper resources to help stop the spread. What started as a simple mask giveaway at his office turned into so much more when the community’s response was so tremendous. All in all, Murphy was able to give away more than 67,000 protective masks and face shields and over 100 gallons of hand sanitizer.
Murphy has also donated 100 bags of groceries and other items to HOPE Ministries, a local organization that strives to feed the hungry and prevent homelessness and distributed 2,000+ boxes of produce and meals to staff members at Baton Rouge General on the front lines of the pandemic. The Firm has always been active in the community supporting such causes as the American Cancer Society, Capital Area CASA Association, Kelli’s Kloset, Battle Against Autism, Dreams Come True, and many more.
Kenneth D. St. Pé
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Mr. St. Pé obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of New Orleans in 1989 and his law degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Louisiana State University in 1993. His law career has focused primarily on Civil Litigation and Trial Law. He has represented clients in a wide range of casualty cases to include maritime and offshore injury, employment/wage disputes, products liability, medical malpractice and securities matters.
Mr. St. Pé is a member of the American Bar Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, Lafayette Parish Bar Association, American Association for Justice and the Louisiana Association for Justice. He is admitted to practice before all Louisiana State and Federal Courts including the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Mr. St. Pé resides in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife and three (3) children. He is active in community service and has served as a board member for numerous civic and charitable organizations. He attends The Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist church where he serves as a Eucharist Minister.
Mr. St. Pé is an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys hunting and fishing. He is a former elite level Ironman triathlete and a USA Triathlon All-American. He completed the grueling 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run seven (7) times including the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Mr. St. Pé applies the same hard work, dedication and perseverance required to complete those races to his law practice.
James S. Rees IV
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
James joined Charbonnet Law Firm as an associate in 2012, after graduating from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center. He practices primarily in the area of general civil litigation, with a focus on plaintiff’s personal injury work.
Whether it’s a car accident, slip-and-fall or work-related injury, James is experienced in representing people who are injured through the fault or negligence of a third party. With an extensive knowledge of the health care community and medical treatment options, James is able to skillfully guide his injured clients toward the quickest road to recovery. James also counsels clients in succession law, handling the distribution of the assets of loved ones once they pass.
James works as partner in the New Orleans office of Charbonnet Law Firm, located at 3750 South Claiborne Ave, in the same place where it has stood as a staple of the community since it was built in 1974.
Clifford E. Cardone
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Early on in my legal career I was lucky enough to practice law with a brilliant general practitioner, Charles G. Merritt. He was also my father-in-law. Not only did he show me where the courthouse was, he taught me to be a lawyer. He exposed me to a variety of areas of the law from abstracting a title to property to bankruptcy, domestic, criminal, successions, contracts, corporations, and, yes, even personal injury law. Through his tutorship I developed somewhat of a following handling personal injury cases.
The following I developed came naturally, and I found myself concentrating in personal injury law. Using my experience and connections, I put together a team of professionals such as economists, medical doctors, engineers and others that I draw upon to assist me in molding your case into the best it can be. In this special process, I develop a deeper connection to each client. When I assemble the perfect team, it is possible to make something wrong, right again, I can bring a seemingly impossible situation back to normalcy. This is when I feel the most sense of pride and accomplishment. Look at testimonials from actual clients who I have helped over the years. Satisfied clients are what drives me to be the best I can be.
The Bayou’s Beacon of Justice: Why You Need a Top-Tier Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Louisiana
Louisiana, the “Pelican State,” pulsates with a vibrant culture, rich history, and captivating landscapes. Yet, even amidst the beauty and joie de vivre, medical emergencies can arise. When seeking medical care, you entrust your well-being to healthcare professionals. Unfortunately, sometimes medical errors occur, leaving you with devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Here’s where a top-tier medical malpractice lawyer in Louisiana steps in, becoming your fierce advocate and champion throughout the legal process. This comprehensive guide explores the immense benefits of retaining a skilled medical malpractice attorney who will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for the harm you’ve suffered due to medical negligence.
Understanding Medical Malpractice and Your Rights in Louisiana
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or hospital, deviates from the accepted standard of care and causes harm to a patient. Louisiana law recognizes your right to seek compensation for damages arising from medical negligence. A knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you with the following:
- Know Your Rights: Louisiana law allows you to seek compensation for various damages after experiencing medical malpractice, including medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care costs, pain and suffering, disability, diminished quality of life, and wrongful death (if a loved one passed away due to medical negligence). A skilled Louisiana medical malpractice lawyer will ensure you understand the full range of potential damages and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Gathering Evidence: Building a strong medical malpractice case hinges on meticulous evidence gathering. Your lawyer will help you collect medical records, doctor reports, hospital bills, witness testimonies, expert opinions, and other relevant documentation that showcases the medical error, its impact on your health, and the deviation from the standard of care.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Healthcare providers and their insurance companies often attempt to settle medical malpractice claims for the lowest amount possible. A seasoned Louisiana medical malpractice lawyer negotiates aggressively on your behalf, ensuring you receive a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your injuries and losses.
- Understanding Medical Jargon: Medical records and legal documents can be complex and filled with technical jargon. Your attorney will translate this complex language into understandable terms and guide you through the intricacies of the legal process.
- Expert Witness Testimony: Medical malpractice cases often require expert witness testimony from qualified medical professionals who can confirm the deviation from the standard of care and the resulting harm you suffered. Your lawyer will secure these expert witnesses to strengthen your case.
- Understanding Louisiana Statute of Limitations: Louisiana has a strict deadline for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, typically one year from the date you discovered the injury or one year from the date the negligent act occurred (whichever is later). Your lawyer ensures you meet all deadlines and file your claim within the designated timeframe.
Beyond Legal Expertise: The Qualities of a Top-Tier Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Louisiana
Not all medical malpractice attorneys are created equal. Here’s what sets the best Louisiana medical malpractice lawyers apart:
- Extensive Experience in Louisiana Medical Malpractice Law: In-depth knowledge of Louisiana’s specific medical malpractice laws, precedents, and the intricacies of the healthcare system in your region of Louisiana is crucial. Look for an attorney with a proven track record of success handling cases similar to yours in Louisiana.
- Focus on Medical Malpractice: Seek an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice law. This specialization ensures they possess the specific expertise and resources needed to effectively manage your complex medical malpractice case and navigate the legal system in Louisiana.
- Understanding of Medical Specialties: Medical malpractice cases involve a wide range of medical specialties. Your lawyer should have a strong understanding of your specific medical situation and the standard of care expected from the healthcare provider involved.
- Compassion and Understanding: Coping with a medical error can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. Your lawyer should approach your case with empathy, providing emotional support and guidance throughout the process.
- Clear Communication and Accessibility: Clear and consistent communication is vital. A top-tier attorney keeps you informed on case developments, answers your questions promptly, and addresses your concerns openly and honestly.
- Competitive Fees and Flexible Payment Structures: Many medical malpractice attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case and secure compensation for you. Discuss fee structures upfront to ensure transparency and explore options that fit your financial circumstances.
Finding the Right Advocate: Resources for Legal Representation in Louisiana
- Seek Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have faced medical malpractice and inquire about their lawyers.
- Louisiana State Bar Association: Contact the Louisiana State Bar Association for referrals to qualified medical malpractice attorneys in your area.