AThe general format of each case reviewed is as follows:
• Title. Each case is given a title that signals the type of case about to be reviewed.
• Citation. A case citation describes the identity of the parties in the case, the text in which the case can be found, and the year in which the case was decided. Students who wish to research a specific case should visit a law library, which will contain various state and regional reporters.
• Facts. A review of the details of the case.
• Issue. The issues discussed in any given case are selected for review on the basis of medical and legal pertinence to the healthcare professional.
Although any one case may have multiple issues, only those considered pertinent are reviewed here.
• Holding. The court’s ruling based on the facts, issues, and applicable laws pertaining to the case.
• Reason. The rationale behind how the court arrived at its decision based on the facts, issues, and relevant laws surrounding the case.
• Discussion. Discussion questions, although prompted by a particular case, may not necessarily be germane to the facts of the case. The questions are merely presented as opportunities for discussion and in no way add to the facts of a specific case.
Selected Questions for Case Discussions – (not all questions will apply to all cases)
1. Are all the elements required in a malpractice suit present?
2. What standard of care is required?
3. What evidence was presented?
4. If you were on the jury, what would your finding be, based on the facts as presented in the case?
5. If you found the defendant negligent in a malpractice case, what damages would you award, and for what reasons?
6. Discuss the court’s reasoning as to how and why it reached its decision.
7. What are your options if you, as plaintiff or defendant, are unhappy with the court’s decision?
8. What are the lessons to be learned from the case?
9. Discuss precautions that caregivers should implement to help prevent similar injuries from occurring in the future.
10. Discuss what procedural changes a laboratory can take to help ensure test findings are timely and accurately communicated.
11. Discuss how quality improvement activities can improve patient outcomes.
12. Drawing upon your educational and professional background and real-life experiences, apply the lessons learned as to how the reality checks and various legal cases might apply to your present and long-term professional goals.
