Understanding What Constitutes Medical Negligence and Service Provider Liability

The relationship between service providers, such as doctors and patients (consumers), is built on trust and the expectation of competent care.

However, instances of medical negligence can lead to devastating consequences for patients, prompting the need for a clear understanding of what constitutes negligence and the liabilities of service providers.

Medical negligence, in legal terms, refers to the failure of a healthcare provider to meet the standard of care expected in their profession, resulting in harm to the patient.

This failure can manifest in various forms, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or inadequate treatment.

To establish a successful medical malpractice claim, several elements must be proven by the patient or their representatives.

Firstly, there must be a legal duty owed by the healthcare provider to the patient.

This duty encompasses the obligation to provide care and treatment consistent with accepted medical standards.

Secondly, there must be a breach of this duty, where the healthcare provider fails to adhere to the requisite standard of care.

This breach can be established through expert testimony or evident errors in the treatment process.

Thirdly, the breach of duty must directly cause harm or injury to the patient. This causation, known as proximate cause, links the negligent actions of the healthcare provider to the resulting damages suffered by the patient.

Lastly, there must be quantifiable damages suffered by the patient, which can be financial, physical, or emotional in nature.

Without these damages, regardless of the negligence demonstrated, there is no basis for a malpractice claim.

Recent cases in Namibia have shed light on the consequences of medical negligence.

For instance, the Ministry of Health and Social Services found itself embroiled in legal battles, facing substantial compensation claims due to alleged negligence resulting in patient fatalities or severe injuries.

In one case, a widower sought N$600 000 following the death of his wife at a state hospital.

Similarly, a woman received N$1 million in settlement after her baby died during a delivery at another state hospital.

Another woman, represented by the Legal Assistance Centre, was awarded N$900 000 after suffering the loss of her child during childbirth, coupled with enduring sepsis and severe scarring.

However, it’s essential to distinguish between genuine cases of negligence and unfortunate outcomes or complications inherent in medical procedures.

In an allegation involving a wrist drop following an operation, it was noted that mere adverse outcomes, such as nerve damage, do not necessarily equate to negligence.

In this case, it was highlighted that the burden of proof lies with the claimant to substantiate allegations of negligence with reliable evidence, including expert testimony.

Mere assertions without such support cannot form the basis for compensation.

Understanding medical negligence and service provider liability is crucial for safeguarding patient rights and ensuring accountability within the healthcare system.

While genuine cases of negligence demand redress, it’s equally vital to discern between unavoidable complications and instances warranting legal recourse, thereby fostering a fair and just healthcare environment.

Uaatjo Kaurimuje is a consumer protection advocate and freelance writer. The views and opinions expressed here are her own.