Medical malpractice is a serious issue. It can be devastating not only for the patient, but also for the doctor who is involved in the case. A doctor’s responsibility in a medical malpractice suit depends on the type of claim that has been filed against them. For example, if it is determined that a doctor did not follow established protocol or made an error during their care of a patient then they may have some liability associated with those actions.
Responsibility To Practice Medicine In A Way That Is Safe For Their Patients
The number one priority of any doctor should be patient safety, which means providing a safe environment for patients and using the best available technology and equipment to ensure this. Doctors must also be aware of any potential risks to their patients, even if those risks come from sources outside of their control.
Provide Competent Treatment In A Competent Manner
A doctor’s legal obligation is to provide competent treatment in a competent manner, says Dr Francene Gayle. A doctor must be able to demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skill to provide the treatment, or at least show that they are acting on behalf of another physician who has such knowledge and skill. In order for a patient to prevail in a medical malpractice suit, he or she must show that:
- The physician did not exercise reasonable care by failing to diagnose his condition; OR
- The physician deviated from accepted standards of practice when treating him; OR
- There was some other cause related directly back to your injuries (i.e., poor hospital facilities).
Ethical Responsibility To Treat All Patients Equally
Doctors also have an ethical responsibility to treat all patients equally, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status according to Dr Francene Gayle. In addition to having the knowledge and skills necessary for treating your medical issue, doctors should be aware of their biases and try to avoid them. For example, if you’re a woman who’s seeking treatment from a male doctor because you don’t feel comfortable with another female doctor, then this is fine – as long as it doesn’t prevent other women from getting the same treatment.
Responsibility To Reasonably Inform Patients About The Risks And Benefits Of Treatment Options
As a doctor, you have a responsibility to reasonably inform patients about the risks and benefits of treatment options. This includes sharing any known conflicts of interest that may affect your care. You should also be transparent about any risks or complications that could arise from treatment.
If you fail to properly inform your patient about these things, it could result in medical malpractice liability for you as well as severe damages awarded against them by juries in courtrooms across the country every day!
Patients Should Be Aware Of Their Responsibilities Too
Patients should be aware of their responsibilities as well as their rights granted by law. Patients have a responsibility to be fully informed about all treatment options, including those that may not be recommended by the doctor or other health professionals.
Patients must also be informed of any known conflicts of interest that may affect their care, such as financial incentives provided by pharmaceutical companies.