Which statement is true?

Which statement is true?

• A. Only doctors can be held liable for negligence.
• B. Not just doctors, but all members of American society are subject to legal consequences for negligence.
• C. Negligence has no legal consequences.
• D. Hospitals are never liable for staff negligence.

Answer: (B)

Negligence can lead to legal consequences for anyone whose careless actions cause harm, not just doctors. In healthcare, patients harmed by negligent care can pursue lawsuits against the caregiver and the institution, because everyone has a duty to exercise reasonable care. Hospitals can be held liable for the actions of their staff under vicarious liability, since employees act within the scope of their employment. This is why not just doctors, but all members of society can face civil liability for negligence. The idea that negligence has no legal consequences or that hospitals are never liable for staff negligence isn’t correct, because liability can attach to individuals and to hospitals based on the relationship and the circumstances.

Negligence can lead to legal consequences for anyone whose careless actions cause harm, not just doctors. In healthcare, patients harmed by negligent care can pursue lawsuits against the caregiver and the institution, because everyone has a duty to exercise reasonable care. Hospitals can be held liable for the actions of their staff under vicarious liability, since employees act within the scope of their employment. This is why not just doctors, but all members of society can face civil liability for negligence. The idea that negligence has no legal consequences or that hospitals are never liable for staff negligence isn’t correct, because liability can attach to individuals and to hospitals based on the relationship and the circumstances.