#1
Which of the following best defines medical malpractice?
Negligence by a healthcare provider resulting in harm to a patient
ExplanationNegligent actions by healthcare providers leading to patient harm.
#2
What is the term used to describe the financial compensation awarded to a plaintiff in a medical malpractice lawsuit to compensate for harm or injury?
Compensatory damages
ExplanationFinancial compensation awarded to plaintiffs for harm or injury.
#3
What is the legal term for the responsibility of healthcare providers to inform patients of the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a proposed treatment?
Informed consent
ExplanationLegal requirement for providers to inform patients of treatment details.
#4
In a medical malpractice case, what does 'duty of care' refer to?
The responsibility of healthcare providers to provide competent care
ExplanationHealthcare providers' obligation to offer competent care.
#5
Which of the following is NOT a typical element of medical malpractice cases?
Intent to harm
ExplanationIntent to harm is not a typical element in malpractice cases.
#6
What legal principle states that healthcare providers must provide care that meets the standard of care for their profession?
Doctrine of standard of care
ExplanationLegal principle mandating healthcare providers to meet professional care standards.
#7
Which of the following is NOT a required element to prove medical malpractice?
Intent to harm the patient
ExplanationIntent to harm is not a necessary element for proving medical malpractice.
#8
What is the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in most jurisdictions?
3 years
ExplanationTime limit, often three years, for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.
#9
Which of the following is an example of breach of duty in a medical malpractice case?
A surgeon performs a procedure using outdated equipment
ExplanationExample of breaching duty by performing a procedure with outdated equipment.
#10
Which legal doctrine allows a hospital to be held responsible for the actions of its employees?
Doctrine of respondeat superior
ExplanationLegal doctrine holding hospitals accountable for employee actions.
#11
What does the term 'res ipsa loquitur' mean in the context of medical malpractice?
The thing speaks for itself
ExplanationSituation where negligence is obvious without further explanation.
#12
Which legal defense in medical malpractice cases involves the argument that the patient knew and accepted the risks associated with a procedure?
Assumption of risk
ExplanationLegal defense stating patients accepted known risks of a procedure.
#13
What role does expert testimony play in medical malpractice cases?
It helps establish the standard of care and whether it was breached
ExplanationExpert testimony assists in establishing care standards and breaches.
#14
What does the legal doctrine of 'respondeat superior' mean in the context of medical malpractice?
The employer is responsible for the actions of employees
ExplanationEmployer's responsibility for employee actions.
#15
Which of the following best describes 'proximate cause' in the context of medical malpractice?
A direct and natural cause of harm that could have been anticipated
ExplanationDirect, foreseeable cause of harm.