Advanced Negligence: Medical Malpractice

3 credits · Professional

This course will examine, from a theoretical perspective, issues of potential liability of hospitals, healthcare professionals, product suppliers, and governments for their respective roles in the provision of health services. Topics covered may include: the learned intermediary rule; non-delegable duties and vicarious liability; tort/contract overlap; the fault standard and comprehensive compensation for injury; potential government liability, especially re the blood supply and sexual sterilization; reproductive technologies and malpractice; and issues of consent, including capacity of minors and those with mental impairment to consent to treatment. CALENDAR NOTES: Research Method: Major research paper, class presentation, and class participation