Why Patients Sue Doctors: Lessons Learned from Medical Malpractice Cases

In Why Patients Sue Doctors 2e the authors draw on their wide-ranging, collective experience in over 1000 real-life medicolegal cases to explore why and how doctors make mistakes. By analysing and discussing the situations and behaviours that lead to complaints by patients and their families, this book provides clear and practical direction for practitioners to improve clinical care and avoid litigation.

Written in a concise and engaging narrative writing style by editors Duncan Graham, Bernard Kelly and David Richards, readers will obtain a broad understanding of the origins, workings and outcomes of medicolegal cases and will be equipped with practical strategies to improve clinical care and avoid common pitfalls in practice. The text also introduces important legal concepts in an approachable manner appropriate for those working in medicine.

• Detailed examination of real-life medicolegal cases to facilitate understanding and application to clinical practice
• Logical and consistent organisation of cases in regional order of medical complaint, from head to toe
• Practical advice on how to improve clinical care and avoid litigation
• Easy-to-read and engaging narrative style of writing effectively communicates key takeaways for readers
• Suitable introduction to legal concepts for medical students and professionals
• Respected author team experienced in medicolegal and medical malpractice cases
• Enhanced eBook version included with purchase

Duncan Graham is a barrister with a medical degree. He previously worked as a medical practitioner and solicitor. He now specialises in cases of medical negligence, coronial inquests, professional misconduct, and class actions involving pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Bernard Kelly is a general practitioner who works in metropolitan, rural and remote locations. He has extensive experience in teaching and medical regulation. He provides expert witness opinions in medical negligence and professional misconduct cases.

David Richards is a physician, with broad experience in clinical and interventional cardiology, education and research. He provides expert witness opinions for plaintiffs, defendants and government agencies.