Heart surgery carries serious risks, and when something goes wrong due to medical negligence, the results can be devastating. In Louisiana, complications from heart procedures such as anesthesia mistakes, internal bleeding, or untreated infections may be grounds for a medical malpractice claim. These cases must pass through a medical review panel before a lawsuit can proceed, and they are subject to specific damages limits under Louisiana law. At Capitelli & Wicker, we help patients who have suffered harm due to surgical errors. If your heart surgery led to unexpected complications, our team is ready to fight for your rights.
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February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness of heart health and to reflect on the life-altering outcomes that can arise when cardiac procedures go wrong. While most heart surgeries in Louisiana are performed with precision and care, there are cases where unexpected complications occur due to negligence or preventable errors. These incidents can lead to lifelong consequences or even death.
At Capitelli & Wicker, we represent individuals and families across Louisiana who suffer harm due to medical malpractice, including mistakes that arise during heart surgeries.
Our legal team has handled a wide array of medical malpractice claims tied to surgical errors, including surgical complications, delayed diagnoses, and medication mistakes. When clients come to us after a failed procedure, they are often left wondering whether the complications they experienced were truly unexpected or actually preventable. As explained in our guide to medical malpractice cases in Louisiana, patients in this state face a complex process for proving liability, navigating damage caps, and working through the medical review panel.
In some cases, complications arise from issues with anesthesia. A mistake in anesthesia administration during heart surgery can result in brain injury, stroke, or death. Other times, negligence during postoperative care can lead to severe infections, as seen in claims involving infection and amputation.
What Are Some Preventable Heart Surgery Complications?
Heart surgeries involve risks, but not all complications are unavoidable. Some arise from clear breaches in the standard of care, such as:
- Failure to control bleeding during surgery
- Improper placement of surgical devices
- Failure to recognize and treat a postoperative infection
- Inadequate monitoring of vital signs
- Prescription medication errors leading to cardiac distress
When such complications are preventable, the law may consider them acts of medical negligence. If your surgeon deviated from the accepted standard of care and this caused your injury, you may have a viable malpractice claim.
Missteps like operating on the wrong artery or failing to manage clotting are more common than many patients realise. These errors are not just dangerous-they may be legally actionable.
As we’ve discussed in our blog on what is classified as medical malpractice in New Orleans, clear evidence of negligence can open the door to compensation for damages.
What Rights Do You Have if Complications Arise?
Under the Louisiana Medical Malpractice Act, victims of medical errors must submit their claims to a review panel before they can file a lawsuit. This panel reviews the case to determine whether the standard of care was breached. Their opinion can carry significant weight, as outlined in our post about how the medical review panel’s opinion affects your malpractice case.
Louisiana also imposes a cap on malpractice damages, limiting the total amount recoverable in most cases to $500,000, excluding future medical expenses. This makes it all the more important to work with an experienced legal team that can accurately document the long-term cost of your injuries and fight for maximum compensation.
How Capitelli & Wicker Helps Victims of Surgical Malpractice
From prescription medication errors to catastrophic complications during major surgery, we help clients across New Orleans and Louisiana build strong, well-supported legal claims. Our attorneys regularly work with medical experts to establish where the breakdown in care occurred and what legal options are available.
In many cases, we uncover systemic issues, such as negligent hospital policies or defective surgical products, that contributed to the harm. If you suffered heart damage because of a misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or botched surgical procedure, our firm can help explore whether that mistake rises to the level of malpractice.
At Capitelli & Wicker, we take medical negligence seriously. Our team has secured results in some of the most complex malpractice and personal injury cases in Louisiana. If your heart surgery resulted in unexpected complications, we are ready to stand by your side and pursue the justice you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What qualifies as medical malpractice in heart surgery?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. In heart surgery, this may include anesthesia mistakes, surgical errors, failure to monitor vital signs, or delayed response to complications. - Can I sue if I experienced complications after heart surgery in Louisiana?
Yes, if your complications were caused by medical negligence. You may be able to file a medical malpractice claim, but Louisiana law requires your case to go through a medical review panel before proceeding to court. - What is the statute of limitations for filing a claim in Louisiana?
In most cases, you must file your claim within one year from the date of the alleged malpractice or from the date the injury was discovered. There are exceptions, so it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. - How do I prove that my heart surgery complications were caused by negligence?
Proof usually involves expert testimony, detailed medical records, and an analysis of whether your care deviated from accepted medical standards. An experienced attorney can help gather the right evidence. - What types of damages can I recover in a malpractice case?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care. However, Louisiana places a cap on total recoverable damages in medical malpractice cases. - Why should I work with Capitelli & Wicker for my malpractice case?
Our firm has deep experience in complex medical malpractice litigation. We understand the medical and legal complexities of heart surgery claims and are committed to helping patients hold negligent providers accountable.
