Distinguishing negligence from intentional tort when a health care provider deviates from a patient's consent.
A number of California appellate courts have held that a health care provider's unintentional deviation from a patient's consent will support a cause of action for "technical battery"--an intentional tort. This policy has allowed plaintiffs to circumvent California's statutory malpractice damage limits and seek punitive damages, thus posing a significant threat to the foundation of California medical malpractice tort law reform. The California Supreme Court recently acknowledged the problem and appears to be taking steps toward a solution.
Cole
C A
CA
Holtz
M D
MD
D002140:California; D003415:Crime / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006268:Health Facilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D007351:Insurance, Liability; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*