The principle is to be applied to the given facts and to choose the most appropriate option:
Principle: Negligence is actionable in law. In simple terms, negligence is the failure to take proper care over something.
Facts: A, a doctor, conducted a hysterectomy sincerely on B and left a small cotton swab inside the abdomen. As a consequence of which B developed some medical problems and had to undergo another surgery. Is A liable?
Options
A is not liable as he did not foresee any consequences at the ti me of surgery.
As only a small swab was left in the abdomen, there was no negligence.
A is liable for the negligence as he failed to take proper care during the surgery
Liability for negligence does not arise here as a performed the operation sincerely.
Solution
A is liable for the negligence as he failed to take proper care during the surgery.
Explanation:
A is liable for the negligence as he failed to take proper care during the surgery. It was the duty of the doctor A to ensure the utmost safety of his patient B during the surgery.
Forgetting a cotton swab inside the abdomen caused medical problems. A doctor is liable under negligence.
