A breach of the standard of care can cause a patient to suffer an injury in many ways.  For example:

• A patient may continue to suffer from a medical condition that could have been effectively treated if the standard of care had been met in diagnosing and treating the condition, or in referring the patient for diagnosis and treatment; or
   
• A patient may suffer from a medical condition that has resulted from a breach of the standard of care in treating another medical condition, or in advising or instructing the patient before or after treatment.  

Due to an injury caused by a breach of the standard of care, the patient may suffer pain and loss of enjoyment of life.  As result of the injury, the patient may incur expenses for treatment or may incur costs in the future for treatment and care.  The injury may result in disability or death of the patient, even if the patient subsequently receives proper treatment.  As a result of disability, the patient may suffer loss of capacity to earn income and perform household services.  If the injury is fatal, the patient’s dependants (or estate) may suffer a loss of financial support (or income) and loss of household services.

Return to: Malpractice Action in Negligence for Breach of the Standard of Care