Liability
Liability (ˌlaɪəˈbɪlɪti)
Liability is a term used in the field of medicine and law to refer to the legal responsibility or obligation that a person or entity has towards another. The term is derived from the Latin word liabilis, which means "bound or obliged in law".
Definition
In the context of medicine, liability refers to the legal responsibility that healthcare professionals have towards their patients. This includes the duty to provide a certain standard of care, and the potential for legal action if this standard is not met.
Types of Liability
There are several types of liability in the medical field:
- Negligence: This is the most common type of liability in medicine. It occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the standard of care that a reasonable person would have provided in the same situation.
- Malpractice: This is a specific type of negligence that involves a professional misconduct or unreasonable lack of skill.
- Product Liability: This refers to the legal responsibility that manufacturers and sellers have for any injuries caused by their products. In medicine, this could apply to faulty medical devices or harmful drugs.
- Vicarious Liability: This is the legal principle that holds an employer or principal legally responsible for the actions of their employee or agent.
Related Terms
- Duty of Care: This is the legal obligation that a person has to avoid causing harm to another.
- Standard of Care: This refers to the level of care that a reasonable person would provide in a similar situation.
- Tort: This is a civil wrong that causes harm to another, for which the injured party may seek legal redress.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Liability
- Wikipedia's article - Liability
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