Lost: loss of chance.
Loss of chance claims involve an allegation that a patient has lost the chance of a better medical outcome, in terms of treatment and/or prognosis, as a result of the negligence of the medical practitioner. A recent High Court of Australia judgment confirmed that monetary damages are not available for the loss of a chance of a better medical outcome. This article discusses the judgment and its implications for medical practitioners in Australia.
Bird
Sara
S
Medico-Legal and Advisory Services, MDA National. sbird@mdanational.com.au
D001315:Australia; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D007603:Jurisprudence; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008318:Malpractice; D011379:Prognosis; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology