IAN BRITTEN AGAINST TAYSIDE HEALTH BOARD [2016] ScotSC 75 (03 November 2016)

IAN BRITTEN AGAINST TAYSIDE HEALTH BOARD [2016] ScotSC 75 (03 November 2016)

Although the doctors breached their duty by failing to advise the pursuer of the alternative of steroid injection and its risks and benefits, the pursuer would not have chosen that alternative even if properly advised. Therefore, the breach did not cause his loss.

Citation
[2016] ScotSC 75
Parties
Pursuer: Ian Francis Britten; Defender: Tayside Health Board
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Judgment Date
03 November 2016
Procedural Posture
Civil Medical Negligence / Judgment After Proof
Outcome
Decree of absolvitor granted in favour of the defenders.
Legal Topics
Informed Consent, Duty to Advise of Risks, Alternative Treatments, Causation, Montgomery V Lanarkshire Health Board

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Parties

Ian Francis Britten

Pursuer

Tayside Health Board

Defender

Procedural Posture

Civil Medical Negligence / Judgment After Proof

  1. 1 Whether the doctors breached their duty of care by failing to advise the pursuer of the availability and risks of steroid injection as an alternative to oral steroids for pan-uveitis.
  2. 2 Whether such breach caused the pursuer's psychiatric injury and loss.

Ratio Decidendi

Although the doctors breached their duty by failing to advise the pursuer of the alternative of steroid injection and its risks and benefits, the pursuer would not have chosen that alternative even if properly advised. Therefore, the breach did not cause his loss.

Court Disposition

Decree of absolvitor granted in favour of the defenders.

Orders

  • Second and third pleas in law for the defenders sustained.
  • Decree of absolvitor granted.