Court Opinion

ID: 9542074
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 16:31:00.307147+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:06:32.257106
License: Public Domain

HALL, Justice:
(dissenting).
Although the majority opinion specifically recognizes the law of this state pertaining to the standard of care required of medical doctors as being that of the local community, it sees fit to now change that law. While that may be a desirable endeavor it should only have prospective effect.
The district court judge properly interpreted the law and he had no alternative but to apply it and dismiss the claim of negligence.
The incident giving rise to this cause of action occurred more than five years ago at a time when the law was clear and certain, and it has remained so until now. The doctrine of stare decisis insures one’s entitlement to rely upon the rules and principles laid down in prior cases and should be held inviolate.
I would affirm the trial court because it properly applied the law as it existed at the time this cause arose and at the time of trial. If the law is to be changed it should only be when the main opinion becomes effective, not retroactively to the benefit of one party and to the detriment of the other.