Medical malpractice cases can be complicated. Doctors and healthcare providers rely on several defenses to protect themselves from liability. If you think you have a case, knowing these defenses can help you prepare.
No negligence occurred
Doctors often argue that they followed the accepted standard of care. If they can show their actions were reasonable given the circumstances, they can avoid liability. Medical decisions come with risks, but that doesn’t always mean negligence occurred.
The patient’s condition caused the outcome
Doctors may claim that an injury or worsened condition wasn’t their fault. Some health issues get worse despite proper care. If they can prove the outcome would have been the same no matter what, they won’t be held responsible.
The patient didn’t follow medical advice
When patients ignore medical instructions, their health can suffer. Doctors use this as a defense by showing that a patient’s choices contributed to the injury. Skipping medication or missing follow-up appointments can weaken a malpractice claim.
The statute of limitations ran out
California law sets a deadline for filing malpractice claims. If too much time passes, doctors can argue that the case is no longer valid. Missing the deadline can stop a case before it starts.
The patient accepted the risk
Some treatments and procedures come with known risks. If a patient knew the possible complications and agreed to proceed, the doctor can argue they accepted that risk. Signed consent forms often support this defense.
Knowing these defenses helps you understand how strong a claim might be. When you know what to expect, the legal process feels less overwhelming.
