When might an operative complication be regarded as acceptable? Part 2: Judicial factors that influence the finding of fault during surgical litigation.
In cases where surgeons face litigation over operative misadventure, the result of a trial is uncertain. In order to identify factors in cases of surgical litigation that have influenced the final decision of the courts, we have previously reviewed reported cases where the outcome turned on actions taken by surgeons. We now turn our attention to judicial attitudes to evidence that play a role in the determination of the case.
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust , UK.
R
R
Wheeler
St George's Healthcare NHS Trust , UK.
S
S
Blackburn
University of Southampton , UK.
H
H
Biggs
D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D013502:General Surgery / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*
Bolam; Bolitho; Litigation; Misadventure; Reasonable standard; Standard of care; Surgery