What is Standard of Care?
When it comes to medical malpractice cases, standard of care is a huge factor in determining if there was negligence. Standard of care is defined as care that would be required by a “reasonably prudent physician acting in the same or similar circumstance.” It is what a reasonably prudent doctor would have done if he or she had the same information at the time that the decision regarding care was made.
Medical providers are supposed to assess patients, taking into account the available information, and recommend treatment. Based on the standard of care concept, a doctor is required to fully explain the risks and benefits of a recommended course of treatment. However, the patient is the one who makes the final decision as to which treatment option will be pursued.
The law requires that a doctor practice in accordance with the standard of care. If a doctor deviates from this standard of care, then he or she may be considered to be negligent. Doctors can be held accountable if their negligent actions cause their patients harm.
Medical negligence cases are some of the most difficult types of claims, which is why you should work with a Virginia medical malpractice attorney who has extensive experience.
For more information about medical malpractice cases, order Ben Glass’s popular book, Why Most Victims of Medical Malpractice Never Recover a Dime.