Arzthaftung: Fahrlässigkeit, nicht schlechte Ergebnisse, ist der Maßstab

A fundamental principle of medical malpractice law: Healthcare providers are not liable for every unfavorable outcome. Liability attaches only when negligence is proven.

The plaintiff must establish four elements:

1. Duty – A professional relationship existed (provider-patient).
2. Breach – The provider deviated from the applicable standard of care (what a reasonably prudent peer would do in similar circumstances).
3. Causation – The breach directly caused the injury (both cause-in-fact and proximate cause).
4. Damages – Quantifiable harm resulted (physical, financial, emotional).

Medicine involves inherent uncertainties; complications can occur despite appropriate care. The legal system recognizes this distinction—holding providers accountable for substandard care, not for the inherent risks of illness and treatment.