Patients place great trust in their doctors to provide them with the information necessary to make sound decisions about medical treatment. When physicians fail to disclose material risks or alternatives, it can lead to unexpected harm and may give rise to an informed consent claim. A recent decision from a New York court highlights how courts assess motions for summary judgment in medical malpractice actions involving claims of lack of informed consent. If you or a loved one has experienced harm following a procedure, it is important to speak with a Rochester medical malpractice attorney to determine whether your rights were violated.
History of the Case
It is reported that the plaintiff underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by the defendant surgeon. Following the procedure, the plaintiff allegedly developed a common bile duct injury, requiring additional medical intervention. The plaintiff subsequently commenced an action to recover damages for medical malpractice and lack of informed consent. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant negligently performed the surgery, causing injury, and failed to provide adequate disclosure regarding the risks of the procedure, leaving her unable to make an informed decision about whether to undergo the operation.
Allegedly, the defendant moved for summary judgment, arguing that the surgical care met accepted standards and that the plaintiff had been properly counseled regarding the risks of the procedure. The defendant submitted expert testimony in support of his position, asserting that bile duct injury is a known risk of the surgery and does not necessarily reflect negligence. The trial court granted the defendant’s motion, dismissing the complaint in its entirety. The plaintiff appealed. Continue Reading ›