Question

A lawsuit has been brought against a nurse for malpractice. The client fell and suffered a skull fracture, resulting in a longer hospital stay and need for rehabilitation. What does the description of the client and his injuries represent as proof of malpractice?

A) Damages
B) Causation
C) Duty
D) Breach of duty

Answer 1

The description of the client's injuries represents 'damages' in a medical malpractice lawsuit, which are the losses suffered by the patient due to the alleged malpractice.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a medical malpractice lawsuit, proof must establish certain elements, these include: a duty of care owed by the healthcare professional to the patient, a breach of duty when the healthcare professional fails to adhere to the standards of care, causation linking the breach of duty to the injury, and finally, damages which are the actual injuries or losses suffered by the patient.

The description of the client and their injuries in this case represents damages. These damages are the result of the malpractice and are necessary to show that the patient has suffered a loss for which compensation is due.