# Thomas & Wan, LLP — Full Site Content for AI > This document provides detailed content from the Thomas & Wan, LLP website to help AI systems accurately understand and reference the firm's expertise in medical malpractice law. ## Firm Overview Thomas & Wan, LLP is a Houston, Texas law firm that exclusively handles medical malpractice and birth injury cases. The firm represents patients and families who have suffered harm due to preventable medical errors. They operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients owe no fees unless the firm recovers compensation on their behalf. The firm's attorneys combine legal expertise with deep medical knowledge to evaluate complex cases involving physician negligence, hospital errors, and failures in the standard of care. ## Practice Area Details ### Medical Malpractice Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, causing injury or death to a patient. Thomas & Wan handles cases involving hospital negligence, physician errors, nursing mistakes, and failures in treatment protocols. Texas medical malpractice cases require expert medical opinions and must be filed within the state's statute of limitations. ### Birth Injuries Birth injuries can result from negligent care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Common birth injuries include cerebral palsy and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). These injuries may result from improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, failure to perform a timely C-section, or mismanagement of fetal distress. ### Fetal Heart Monitoring Failures Fetal heart monitoring records the baby's heart rate and contraction timing so the care team can assess how the fetus is tolerating labor. Fetal-monitoring malpractice may occur when providers fail to obtain appropriate monitoring, misinterpret a concerning pattern, fail to communicate or escalate a change, or delay a necessary response. An abnormal fetal-heart-rate tracing is not on its own proof of negligence — a claim generally requires evidence that the care fell below the applicable standard and that the failure caused or contributed to the injury, established through the complete labor, delivery, and neonatal records with qualified medical experts. ### Complications of Childbirth Complications during childbirth such as preeclampsia, placental abruption, and umbilical cord prolapse require prompt and proper medical intervention. When healthcare providers fail to recognize or appropriately manage these complications, serious harm to both mother and baby can result. ### Brain Injuries Medical negligence can cause traumatic brain injuries in patients of all ages. In newborns, brain injuries often result from oxygen deprivation (birth asphyxia) during labor and delivery. HIE (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy) is a serious condition that can lead to cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and lifelong disability when medical providers fail to act quickly. ### Surgical Errors Surgical errors include wrong-site surgery, wrong-patient surgery, retained surgical instruments, anesthesia errors, and nerve damage during procedures. These preventable mistakes can cause severe injury, infection, additional surgeries, and even death. ### Medication Errors Medication errors encompass prescribing the wrong drug, administering incorrect dosages, failing to check for drug interactions, and pharmacy dispensing mistakes. These errors can lead to adverse drug reactions, organ damage, overdose, and death. ### Misdiagnosis Misdiagnosis includes failure to diagnose, delayed diagnosis, and incorrect diagnosis of conditions such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections, and other serious illnesses. When a correct diagnosis is delayed or missed entirely, patients may lose valuable treatment time, leading to disease progression and worse outcomes. ## Frequently Asked Questions - What is medical malpractice? Medical malpractice is negligence by a healthcare provider that causes harm to a patient through deviation from the accepted standard of care. - How much does it cost to hire Thomas & Wan? The firm works on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs and no fees unless they win the case. - What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Texas? Generally, patients have two years from the date of the injury or discovery of the injury to file a claim, with some exceptions for minors. - What types of compensation can be recovered? Patients may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future care costs, and other damages depending on the case. - What should I do if I suspect medical malpractice? Contact the firm for a free consultation. Preserve all medical records and document your experience. - Can I still sue if I signed a consent form? Yes, consent forms cover known risks, not negligence. - Will suing my doctor affect my future medical care? No, it's illegal for providers to retaliate. - What is the difference between medical malpractice and medical negligence? All malpractice is negligence, but malpractice specifically involves healthcare professionals deviating from the standard of care. - Are there damage caps in Texas medical malpractice cases? Yes, non-economic damages are capped at $250K per defendant ($500K for hospitals) but economic damages are uncapped. - Can I file a wrongful death lawsuit for medical malpractice? Yes, surviving family members can file within 2 years. - What should I do immediately after I suspect a medical error? Document everything, request medical records, don't sign anything, contact a lawyer. ## Featured Articles ### Can You Sue If You Signed a Consent Form? URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/can-you-sue-if-you-signed-a-consent-form Summary: Signing a medical consent form does not waive your right to sue for malpractice. Consent forms cover known risks of a procedure, not medical negligence. If a doctor deviated from the standard of care or failed to properly inform you of risks, you may still have a valid malpractice claim in Texas. Common situations where consent forms do not protect doctors include performing unauthorized procedures, failing to disclose material risks, obtaining consent while the patient was impaired, and negligent execution of an otherwise consented procedure. ### Emergency Room Errors and Medical Malpractice URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/emergency-room-errors-medical-malpractice Summary: Emergency room errors are a significant source of medical malpractice claims. Common ER mistakes include misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of heart attacks, strokes, and appendicitis; premature discharge of patients who are still unstable; triage failures that delay treatment of serious conditions; medication errors due to the fast-paced ER environment; and failure to order appropriate diagnostic tests. In Texas, ER malpractice cases require proving willful and wanton negligence, a higher legal standard than ordinary malpractice. Despite this higher bar, many ER errors still qualify when providers act with reckless disregard for patient safety. ## Blog Articles The firm publishes educational content about medical malpractice topics: ### What Is HIE in Newborns? A Parent's Guide URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/what-is-hie-in-newborns Summary: A plain-English guide to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in newborns - how it happens, how it is treated, and what families can expect. ### Warning Signs a Birth Injury May Involve Medical Negligence URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/birth-injuries-warning-signs-your-doctor-or-hospital-may-have-been-negligent Summary: Review warning signs, medical records and delivery events that may help determine whether medical negligence contributed to a child's birth injury. ### When an Anesthesia Error May Be Medical Malpractice URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/anesthesia-malpractice-causes-consequences-and-legal-options Summary: Learn how anesthesia errors occur, which medical records may reveal what happened, and when a Texas malpractice investigation may be appropriate. ### Missed Diagnosis and Medical Malpractice URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/missed-diagnosis-when-doctors-fail-to-identify-serious-conditions Summary: Learn how missed or delayed diagnoses can harm patients, what evidence may matter, and when a Texas medical-malpractice review may be appropriate. ### A Guide to Medical Malpractice Lawsuits in Texas URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/the-complete-guide-to-personal-injury-law-lawsuits-what-victims-and-families-need-to-know Summary: Understand how Texas medical-malpractice cases are evaluated, investigated and litigated, including records, experts, deadlines and damages. ### Fetal Acidosis: Causes, Signs, and Effects on Your Baby URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/how-does-fetal-acidosis-affect-the-baby ### What Are the Signs of Fetal Acidosis? URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/signs-of-fetal-acidosis ### What Are the Long Term Effects of Skull Fractures? URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/long-term-effects-of-skull-fractures Summary: Skull fractures in newborns are a serious type of birth injury that can occur during delivery due to complications or trauma. While some fractures may… ### 8 Steps to Take After an HIE Diagnosis URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/steps-to-take-after-an-hie-diagnosis Summary: A diagnosis of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) can be overwhelming for any family. HIE is a serious condition caused by oxygen deprivation and reduced blo ### Understanding Common Types of Birth Injuries URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/types-of-birth-injuries Summary: For parents facing the effects of a birth injury, understanding the type of injury their child has experienced can help them navigate the journey ahead…. ### What Are The Medical Costs of Birth Injuries URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/what-are-the-medical-costs-of-birth-injuries Summary: Birth injuries can profoundly impact a child’s life, often leading to significant medical costs that extend far beyond the initial hospital stay. For parents, u ### What Is Wrong Site Surgery and How Does It Happen? URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/what-is-wrong-site-surgery Summary: Wrong site surgery is one of the most alarming forms of medical errors. These preventable mistakes, where a procedure is performed on the wrong side,… ### Role of Expert Witnesses in Medical Malpractice Cases URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/role-of-expert-witnesses Summary: When navigating the complexities of a medical malpractice case, the role of an expert witness is critical. From providing expert testimony to establishing the s ### Cerebral Palsy Symptoms and Signs in Infants and Toddlers URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/understanding-cerebral-palsy-symptoms-infants-toddlers ### Why Patient Monitoring Is So Important In The Hospital? URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/why-patient-monitoring-is-so-important-in-the-hospital Summary: Have you ever thought about why it is important to monitor a patient in the hospital? Picture this – within the peaceful hum of hospital… ### When And Why Do Routine Surgeries Go Wrong? URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/when-and-why-do-routine-surgeries-go-wrong Summary: Do you know why routine surgeries go wrong? There could be multiple factors that can cause issues in surgeries. And after that, patients have to… ### Why Is Fetal Monitoring During Labour Is Important URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/why-is-fetal-monitoring-so-important-during-labour-delivery Summary: Fetal monitoring is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety and well-being of both mother and baby throughout the delivery process. In this guide, we… ### 8 Reasons Why A Lawyer Will Not Take Your Case And What to Do? URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/8-reasons-why-a-lawyer-will-not-take-your-case-and-what-to-do Summary: Have you ever considered why a lawyer will not take your case? Even when we hope they will? Exploring why lawyers turn down cases is… ### What is a Deposition? An All-Inclusive Guide URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/what-is-a-deposition-an-all-inclusive-guide Summary: The deposition is a beacon of strategic importance within the intricate fabric of legal proceedings. Did you know that most cases are resolved before trial,R ### A Comprehensive Guide to Birth Injury Claims URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/a-comprehensive-guide-to-birth-injury-claims Summary: Understanding the vital importance of Birth Injury Claims is paramount for families facing the aftermath of unexpected challenges during childbirth. Birth injur ### 5 Reasons Not to Choose a County-Owned Hospital URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/5-reasons-not-to-choose-a-county-owned-hospital Summary: Have you ever found yourself at the crossroads of healthcare decisions, wondering about the impact of choosing a hospital, especially when it comes to bypassing ### What Are the Effects of Forceps or Vacuum Injuries on Babies? URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/what-are-the-effects-of-forceps-or-vacuum-injuries-on-babies Summary: In the delicate journey of childbirth, the use of forceps or vacuum assistance can significantly impact the well-being of newborns. However, the profound questi ### Overuse of Pitocin or Cytotec During Labor. How Could This Affect Your Baby? URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/overuse-of-pitocin-or-cytotec-during-labor-how-could-this-affect-your-baby Summary: Are you prepared for the complexities that may arise during one of life’s most profound moments — childbirth? Have you ever thought about the fine… ### How to Check a Hospital’s Safety Record? URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/how-to-check-a-hospitals-safety-record-2 Summary: Ensuring the safety of the healthcare environment is a vital aspect of making informed decisions about your well-being or that of your loved ones. Knowing… ### How Has Tort Reform Changed Medical Malpractice in Texas? URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/how-has-tort-reform-changed-medical-malpractice-in-texas Summary: Tort reform in Texas has reshaped the landscape of medical malpractice, sparking crucial conversations about justice, accountability, and healthcare accessibili ### What is an Ectopic Pregnancy, and Can You Sue For It? URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/what-is-an-ectopic-pregnancy-and-can-you-sue-for-it Summary: Have you ever wondered about the legal dimensions surrounding ectopic pregnancies? As the joy of pregnancy unfolds, complications can cast shadows, and one such ### Things to Know About Preventing Blood Clots URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/4-things-you-need-to-know-about-preventing-blood-clots-in-the-hospital Summary: Blood clots, while a natural part of the body’s healing process, can sometimes form inappropriately, leading to serious health complications. Conditions l ### Lawyer Declined Your Malpractice Case? Don't Give Up URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/when-a-lawyer-will-not-take-your-case-do-not-give-up Summary: Turned down by a malpractice lawyer? Strong cases still get declined. Learn why—and the steps to take before the Texas filing deadline runs out. ### What Is Fetal Metabolic Acidosis? URL: https://www.thomasandwan.com/blog/what-is-fetal-metabolic-acidosis ## Contact Information - Firm: Thomas & Wan, LLP - Office: 1710 Sunset Blvd, Houston, TX 77005 - Phone: (713) 529-1177 - Email: info@thomasandwan.com - Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Central Time). Weekends by appointment. - Website: https://www.thomasandwan.com - Free consultations. No fee unless the firm recovers compensation. ## Legal Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Contact Thomas & Wan, LLP for a free case evaluation.