Measure of liability in Medical Negligence ? A hospital based study

Background: Negligence is the breach of a legal duty of care. Liability is the responsibility of a person for his acts of commission and omissions. Aim: This study aimed to determine the role of liability in medical negligence in teaching hospital. Materials and methods: A total 36 medical negligence cases reported during the period of 3 years i.e. from July 2011 to June 2014 were gathered from Hospital Case Records, Inquest Reports, Post Mortem Examination Reports, and Forensic Science Laboratory Reports. Results: Among these 36 cases of medical negligence doctors were liable for their negligence in 15 cases i.e. 41.7% and vicariously liable in 3 cases i.e. 8.3%. There was no liability for doctors in 18 cases i.e. 50%. Conclusion: It this study, male and female was equally suffered for medical negligence. Among the females pregnant cases were more common. Most of the medical negligence cases had come to the hospital with major health problem. Health care professionals are increasingly facing complaints regarding the facilities, standards of professional competence and the appropriateness of their therapeutic and diagnostic methods.