When medical treatment causes more harm than healing, many patients and families are left with questions—and the need for answers. In Louisiana, filing a medical malpractice lawsuit isn’t as simple as taking the case straight to court. Before most malpractice claims can proceed, they must first go through a mandatory step: the Medical Review Panel. This part of the legal process is specific to Louisiana and can significantly affect both the timeline and direction of a case.
At Kiefer & Kiefer, we’ve helped many individuals and families move through this process, and we know how important it is to understand what to expect before filing a claim.
What The Medical Panel Is And Why It Matters
The Medical Review Panel is made up of three licensed healthcare providers and one attorney chairperson. Its purpose is to review the evidence and determine whether the medical care in question did or did not fall below the accepted standard. This is not a trial, and the panel doesn’t decide damages, but its opinion can influence whether a case moves forward and how it is viewed in court.
This process is required for almost all malpractice claims in Louisiana against qualified healthcare providers. Until the panel gives its opinion, no lawsuit can be filed in district court, with very few exceptions. That makes it a gatekeeping step, and one that patients must prepare for carefully.
How The Panel Affects The Timeline Of A Case
One of the most significant impacts of the Medical Review Panel is the time it adds to the process. After a complaint is filed with the Louisiana Division of Administration, a panel is assembled. Each side—the claimant and the healthcare provider—selects one healthcare professional, and those two choose the third member. Once the panel is formed, both parties submit medical records, statements, and other evidence for review.
The review process often takes several months. During this period, the statute of limitations is paused, which gives some breathing room for claimants. However, it also means that even clearly valid claims cannot move to trial until the panel completes its review and issues an opinion. In practice, this requirement can delay a case by a year or more.
What The Panel’s Opinion Means For Your Claim
The panel’s opinion is not binding, but it carries weight. If the panel finds that the provider’s care did not breach the standard, the claimant may still proceed with a lawsuit, but the defense can use the panel’s opinion in court. On the other hand, if the panel finds that the care was below standard and caused harm, that can strengthen the case and sometimes lead to settlement discussions before trial.
This step can also help identify whether there are valid grounds to proceed with a malpractice case at all. For many people, it’s an early indicator of how strong the claim may be. Still, panel members don’t always agree, and a negative opinion doesn’t mean the case is over.
How We Help Clients Through This Process
As a Chalmette, LA medical malpractice lawyer, we’ve seen how important it is for claimants to have clear guidance from the start. From gathering the right records to selecting qualified panel members, each step needs careful attention. We work closely with clients to prepare strong submissions, keep the process on track, and protect their legal rights while the review is underway.
This process isn’t fast, but it plays a key role in shaping the future of a malpractice claim. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference.
If you believe you’ve been harmed due to medical negligence, we’re here to help you take the right steps forward. Contact Kiefer & Kiefer today to discuss your situation in a free consultation. Let’s talk about what happened—and what we can do next.
