Medical negligence. An overview of legal theory and neurosurgical practice: duty of care

Abstract

A working knowledge of the legal principles of medical negligence is helpful to neurosurgeons. It helps them to act in a “reasonable, responsible and logical” manner, that is a practice that is consistent with the surgical practice of their peers. This article will review and explain the relevant medical law in relation to duty of care with illustrative neurosurgical cases.

Keywords::

• duty of care
• medical negligence
• medicolegal
• neurosurgery

Declaration of interest: The author reports no declarations of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.