The Court reaffirmed that physicians and all health providers will be liable only if a jury determines they were negligent in providing care, not for a “bad result.”…carneybadleyspellman, Washington Supreme Court Upholds Defense Verdict Gregory M. Miller Represents Medical Associations as Amicus Counsel
The patient’s long-term physician addressed her new symptoms with medication adjustments, testing, and lab monitoring. After the patient’s condition worsened, she had emergency surgery and later died.
Her estate claimed through expert testimony that the treating physician failed to meet the standard of care by not urgently referring her to an infectious disease specialist or ordering additional imaging.
The physician testified about the care she gave her long-term patient and was supported by medical experts who testified she acted within the standard of care and was not negligent. The jury heard all the evidence in a seven-day trial and returned a defense verdict.