Major Medical Malpractice Cases to Know for Legal Aspects of Healthcare

Major medical malpractice cases shape the legal landscape of healthcare. Key rulings address patient rights, informed consent, and institutional responsibilities, influencing how healthcare providers operate and ensuring accountability in medical practices. Understanding these cases is essential for navigating healthcare law.

1. Roe v. Wade (1973)

   • Established a woman's legal right to have an abortion under the right to privacy.
   • Introduced the trimester framework, balancing state interests and women's rights.
   • Set a precedent for future cases regarding reproductive rights and healthcare access.

2. Canterbury v. Spence (1972)

   • Affirmed the principle of informed consent, requiring physicians to disclose risks and alternatives.
   • Highlighted the importance of patient autonomy in medical decision-making.
   • Established that failure to inform patients can lead to liability for medical malpractice.

3. Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California (1976)

   • Established the duty of mental health professionals to warn potential victims of threats made by patients.
   • Clarified the limits of patient confidentiality in cases of imminent harm.
   • Influenced policies regarding patient safety and public protection in healthcare settings.

4. Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Department of Health (1990)

   • Addressed the right to refuse medical treatment and the standards for determining a patient's wishes.
   • Recognized the importance of clear and convincing evidence in cases of life-sustaining treatment withdrawal.
   • Set a legal framework for advance directives and end-of-life care decisions.

5. Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (1993)

   • Established the standard for admissibility of expert testimony in federal courts.
   • Emphasized the need for scientific validity and reliability in expert evidence.
   • Influenced how medical malpractice cases are litigated, particularly regarding expert witnesses.

6. Gonzales v. Oregon (2006)

   • Upheld Oregon's Death with Dignity Act, allowing physician-assisted suicide under state law.
   • Clarified the limits of federal authority over state laws regarding end-of-life options.
   • Contributed to the ongoing debate about patient rights and physician responsibilities in healthcare.

7. Schloendorff v. Society of New York Hospital (1914)

   • Established the principle of informed consent in medical procedures.
   • Asserted that patients have the right to control what happens to their bodies.
   • Laid the groundwork for patient autonomy and ethical standards in healthcare.

8. Darling v. Charleston Community Memorial Hospital (1965)

   • Held hospitals liable for the negligent actions of their staff, emphasizing institutional responsibility.
   • Highlighted the importance of maintaining adequate standards of care in healthcare facilities.
   • Influenced hospital liability and the standard of care expected in medical settings.

9. Helling v. Carey (1974)

   • Addressed the issue of negligence in the context of medical treatment standards.
   • Established that the standard of care is based on what is reasonable and accepted in the medical community.
   • Influenced how courts evaluate medical malpractice claims regarding treatment practices.

10. Wickline v. State of California (1986)

    • Examined the limits of medical necessity and the role of insurance companies in healthcare decisions.
    • Held that healthcare providers must adhere to established standards of care, regardless of insurance constraints.
    • Contributed to discussions about the intersection of healthcare delivery and insurance policies.