Source: https://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/torts/torts-keyed-to-epstein/the-negligence-issue/canterbury-v-spence-2/
Timestamp: 2019-04-26 09:59:03+00:00

Document:
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Citation. Spence v. Canterbury, 1972 U.S. LEXIS 348, 409 U.S. 1064, 93 S. Ct. 560, 34 L. Ed. 2d 518 (U.S. Nov. 1, 1972).
Brief Fact Summary. Plaintiff experienced back pain. Defendant told Plaintiff that he needed surgery, but did not inform of the risks of the surgery. Plaintiff sued Defendant for negligently withholding the risk of the surgery.
Synopsis of Rule of Law. A doctor has a duty to disclose all reasonable information about a proposed treatment to his patients.
ergency operation and Plaintiff’s condition improved. Plaintiff sued Defendant for negligence in the performance of the laminectomy and for failure to inform him of the risk involved. Plaintiff introduced no evidence to show medical and hospital practices customarily pursued in regard to the critical aspects of the case. Defendant testified that even without trauma, paralysis can be anticipated somewhere in the nature of one percent. Defendant felt that communication of the risk to Plaintiff was not good medical practice because it might deter him from undergoing needed surgery and might produce adverse physiological reactions, which could preclude the success of the operation. The trial court held that Plaintiff failed to produce any medical evidence indicating negligence. Plaintiff appealed.
Issue. Does Defendant have a duty to disclose the risk associated with surgery?

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