Spencer Fane Expands Houston Health Care Practice wiht Yara Calcaño
The law firm welcomes a new associate with extensive experience in medical malpractice defense and regulatory complexities.
Spencer fane LLP has announced the addition of Yara Calcaño to its Houston office as an associate in the Health Care practice group. Calcaño brings a wealth of experience in defending health care providers against medical malpractice claims and navigating the intricate landscape of health care regulations.
Protecting Providers and Reputations
Calcaño’s practice focuses on vigorously defending health care providers facing medical malpractice lawsuits and related complaints filed with the Texas Medical Board.her expertise extends to protecting physicians and other providers while safeguarding their professional reputations.This is particularly crucial in today’s litigious environment, where even unsubstantiated claims can severely damage a provider’s career and standing in the community.
Calcaño’s experience spans state and federal litigation across multiple jurisdictions, including New York, Washington, D.C., and Texas, providing her with a broad perspective on the legal challenges facing health care professionals nationwide.
A Diverse Legal Background
Before specializing in health care law, Calcaño’s legal career included defending tenants and homeowners in housing disputes in New york City, demonstrating her commitment to advocating for individuals’ rights. In Texas, she defended private and nonprofit companies in home insurance claims, further broadening her understanding of complex litigation.
Leadership’s Perspective
“We look forward to welcoming Yara to Houston as the firm’s Texas market continues to expand,” said Brian Zimmerman, Office Managing Partner for Spencer Fane in Houston. “As we prioritize meeting client needs via highly intentional growth, attorneys like yara – who possess the firm’s passion for exceptional client service and vigorous courtroom advocacy – reinforce our robust health care practice and the broader litigation team.”
Education and early career
Calcaño holds a bachelor’s degree from rutgers University and a Juris Doctor from the American University Washington College of Law. Her commitment to human rights and justice initiatives is evident in her pre-law school and law school experiences. She worked with organizations such as the Center for Reproductive Rights in New York City, the Disability Rights Law clinic, the Center for Justice and international Law in Washington, D.C., and served as a United Nations International Law Commission Special Assistant to Commissioner Claudio Grossman in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Growing Need for Health Care Legal Expertise
The demand for skilled health care attorneys is on the rise, driven by an aging population, increasing regulatory scrutiny, and a growing awareness of patient rights. Medical malpractice claims remain a important concern for health care providers, and the complexity of health care laws and regulations requires specialized legal expertise.
However, some argue that the focus on defending against malpractice claims can sometimes overshadow the importance of proactive risk management and patient safety initiatives. Critics suggest that a more holistic approach, combining legal defense with strategies to prevent medical errors and improve communication between providers and patients, could ultimately lead to better outcomes for all parties involved.
Recent Developments in Texas Medical Malpractice Law
In early 2025, the texas legislature debated several key bills related to medical malpractice. One proposed bill aimed to increase the cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, a move that proponents argued would provide fairer compensation to injured patients. However, opponents, including many physician groups, warned that raising the cap could lead to increased insurance premiums and perhaps drive physicians out of the state, particularly those in high-risk specialties.As of April 2025, the bill is still under review by the legislature.
FAQ: Medical Malpractice and Legal Defense
| What constitutes medical malpractice? | Medical malpractice occurs when a health care provider’s negligence results in harm to a patient. This negligence can involve errors in diagnosis, treatment, or aftercare. |
| What steps should a health care provider take if faced with a malpractice claim? | The first step is to notify their insurance carrier and legal counsel immediately. It’s crucial to avoid discussing the case with anyone other than their legal team and to preserve all relevant medical records. |
| How common are medical malpractice lawsuits in the U.S.? | While the exact figures vary, studies suggest that approximately 1 in 10 physicians will face a malpractice claim each year. Specialties like surgery and obstetrics tend to have higher rates of claims. |
| What is the role of a health care attorney in defending against malpractice claims? | A health care attorney provides legal guidance, investigates the claim, gathers evidence, negotiates with the opposing party, and represents the provider in court, if necessary. |
| What are the potential consequences of a medical malpractice lawsuit? | consequences can range from monetary settlements or judgments to reputational damage, loss of hospital privileges, and even disciplinary action by state medical boards. |
