Opinion ID: 3163349
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Medical Negligence Under Massachusetts Law

Text: The Bradleys also assert claims of medical negligence. To show medical negligence, the plaintiff must show (1) the existence of a doctor or nurse-patient relationship, (2) that the performance of the doctor or nurse did not conform to good medical practice, and (3) that damage resulted therefrom. St. Germain v. Pfeifer, 637 N.E.2d 848, 851 (Mass. 1994). To establish the -15- appropriate standard of care, a plaintiff typically must present expert testimony to that effect. Pagés-Ramírez v. RamírezGonzález, 605 F.3d 109, 113 (1st Cir. 2010) (In order to determine the applicable standard of care in a medical malpractice action and to make a judgment on causation, a trier of fact will generally need the assistance of expert testimony.).