Wagar Hickman

10/17/2026

Coming to a healthcare institution near you?

After nearly 100 years of development, treatments that bolster the body's immune system to fight cancer are coming of age – and saving patients' lives.

10/07/2026

Most people have never seen how a medical malpractice case begins. Many assume it starts with a lawsuit. In Louisiana, it usually starts much more quietly than that.

The first step is listening. Someone often comes to us with pieces of a story and a feeling that something went wrong. Our job is to help put those pieces in order.

From there, the work becomes investigative. Medical records are requested and reviewed line by line so a clear timeline can be built. Qualified medical professionals then evaluate whether the care provided met the accepted standard, and whether a different decision could have changed the outcome.

Timing matters throughout. Louisiana generally allows one year from the date of an incident, or from its discovery, to begin a malpractice claim. That process typically starts with a request for a Medical Review Panel rather than a lawsuit.

Not every review leads to a case. Sometimes the records show a difficult outcome that was not caused by negligence. When that happens, we say so. Families deserve a clear answer either way.

If you have questions about a medical outcome, our team is available for consultations. Contact Wagar Hickman at 985-888-8740.

09/28/2026

For Judge Division H in St. Tammany Parish to succeed our old friend, Judge Alan Zaunbrecher: Whitney Germany who is running for Judge to ensure that the 22nd Judicial District Court remains a place of integrity, fairness, and efficiency. She is committed to applying the law as it is written, treating everyone with dignity, and ensuring that justice is accessible to all. We think she is the best choice for Division H and urge you to consider her when you vote in the upcoming election.

09/28/2026

We like Ben Clayton for Judge in Division G in the elections for St. Tammany Parish judges in November. Ben is an outstanding person and an experienced lawyer with great empathy for people. He will make an exceptional judge.

Ben Clayton for District Judge—committed to integrity, impartial justice, and decades of legal experience serving Washington and St. Tammany Parishes.

09/25/2026

Sometimes families leave a hospital with more questions than answers.

A diagnosis that came too late. A complication no one fully explained.

Not every unexpected outcome is malpractice. Some are. The only way to know is through a careful review of what happened and why.

At Wagar Hickman, we focus on serious and complex medical malpractice cases across Louisiana and the Gulf South. Our team takes the time to listen and help you understand where you stand.

If something does not feel right, it may be worth having your case reviewed.

Contact Wagar Hickman at 985-888-8740.

09/23/2026

Most medical malpractice claims in Louisiana cannot go straight to court.

Before a lawsuit can be filed against a qualified health care provider, the claim is generally reviewed by a Medical Review Panel. It is one of the ways Louisiana's system differs from most other states.

The panel is made up of three health care providers and an attorney who serves as chair. The attorney guides the process but does not vote.

Both sides submit evidence, including medical records and written arguments. The panel then issues an opinion on whether the standard of care was met and whether any failure caused the patient's injury.

That opinion is not a final ruling. It does not award damages, and it does not stop a family from moving forward. It can, however, be used as evidence if the case goes to trial. That is why the way a claim is prepared and presented to the panel matters.

The process often takes a year or longer. Filing a request for review also affects important legal deadlines, so timing should be discussed early.

Louisiana's medical malpractice system is unique. Understanding how it works is often the first step toward getting answers.

If you have questions about a potential case, contact Wagar Hickman at 985-888-8740.

09/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/100076290472349/posts/1134041392482199/?

Huge THANK YOU to Wagar Hickman, LLC for sponsoring the boys soccer team as a GOLD level sponsor! 

09/14/2026

We endorse Cameron Mary for judge. St Tammany Parish …

Cameron Mary for Judge 22nd Judicial District Court, Division E Serving St. Tammany and Washington Parishes Experience Matters. Experienced Prosecutor. Experienced Defense Attorney. Experienced Civil Litigator. Cameron Mary brings 29 years of legal experience and 34 years of nearly daily

09/07/2026

https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/patients-are-flying-to-china-for-the-latest-cancer-treatment-528659c3?st=GM5xfj&reflink=article_copyURL_share

Shanghai is emerging as a favored destination for patients from America and other rich countries who are seeking innovations in biotechnology.

09/04/2026

https://radiologybusiness.com/topics/healthcare-management/legal-news/common-factors-leading-malpractice-lawsuits-radiology

"Understanding the scope and characteristics of malpractice claims is essential for guiding policy decisions and risk mitigation efforts," experts write in RSNA's Radiology.