1. Nik Syamsul Baharum Bin Nik Bahari Shah (yang mendakwa sebagai suami kepada Che Norfazilah binti Che Man (Simati) 2. Nik Nur Aisyah binti Nik Syamsul Baharum (yang mendakwa sebagai bapa/sahabat kepada Nik Syamsul Baharum bin Nik Bahari S

1. Nik Syamsul Baharum Bin Nik Bahari Shah (yang mendakwa sebagai suami kepada Che Norfazilah binti Che Man (Simati) 2. Nik Nur Aisyah binti Nik Syamsul Baharum (yang mendakwa sebagai bapa/sahabat kepada Nik Syamsul Baharum bin Nik Bahari S

High Court held defendant 2 (hospital) was not vicariously liable because the consultant doctor was a clear independent contractor per the consultancy agreement and the Woodland criteria were not satisfied; defendant 1 (doctor) was negligent for failing to give adequate informed consent about vacuum delivery risks and the unavailability/need to source blood, thus liability against the doctor is upheld; quantum (RM100,000 general; RM10,350 special) is reasonable and maintained; exemplary/teladan damages are not justified.

Citation
DA-12B-38-09/2019 & DA-12B-39-09/2019 & DA-12B-40-09/2019 (Mahkamah Tinggi)
Parties
Appellant/plaintiff: Nik Syamsul Baharum bin Nik Bahari Shah; Respondent/defendant: Dr Suziati binti Mohd Bukri; Respondent/defendant: Kota Bharu Medical Centre Sdn Bhd
Court
High Court
Jurisdiction
Malaysia
Judgment Date
8 November 2020
Case Number
DA-12B-38-09/2019 & DA-12B-39-09/2019 & DA-12B-40-09/2019 (Mahkamah Tinggi)
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal (medical Negligence) / High Court Determination on Appeals From Sessions Court Judgment
Outcome
Appeal by defendant 2 (Kota Bharu Medical Centre) allowed in part (vicarious liability set aside); appeal by defendant 1 (Dr Suziati) on liability dismissed; findings of negligence against doctor upheld; damages awards (RM100,000 general; RM10,350 special) upheld; exemplary/teladan damages refused.
Legal Topics
Informed Consent, Standard of Care (bolam/bolitho), Vicarious Liability Tests, Pleading Requirements, Quantum of Damages
Source Language
Malay/English
Medical Negligence Vicarious Liability Tort Contract Informed Consent Standard of Care (bolam/bolitho) Vicarious Liability Tests Pleading Requirements +1 more

Case Brief

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Parties

Nik Syamsul Baharum bin Nik Bahari Shah

Appellant/plaintiff

Dr Suziati binti Mohd Bukri

Respondent/defendant

Kota Bharu Medical Centre Sdn Bhd

Respondent/defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal (medical Negligence) / High Court Determination on Appeals From Sessions Court Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether hospital (defendant 2) is vicariously liable for acts/omissions of consultant doctor (defendant 1)
  2. 2 Whether the treating doctor breached duty of care in diagnosis, treatment and disclosure (informed consent)
  3. 3 Whether hospital was negligent for failing to disclose lack of blood supply

Ratio Decidendi

High Court held defendant 2 (hospital) was not vicariously liable because the consultant doctor was a clear independent contractor per the consultancy agreement and the Woodland criteria were not satisfied; defendant 1 (doctor) was negligent for failing to give adequate informed consent about vacuum delivery risks and the unavailability/need to source blood, thus liability against the doctor is upheld; quantum (RM100,000 general; RM10,350 special) is reasonable and maintained; exemplary/teladan damages are not justified.

Court Disposition

Appeal by defendant 2 (Kota Bharu Medical Centre) allowed in part (vicarious liability set aside); appeal by defendant 1 (Dr Suziati) on liability dismissed; findings of negligence against doctor upheld; damages awards (RM100,000 general; RM10,350 special) upheld; exemplary/teladan damages refused.

Orders

  • Findings of negligence against Kota Bharu Medical Centre set aside (defendant 2 appeal allowed)
  • Findings of negligence against Dr Suziati upheld (defendant 1 appeal dismissed)