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negligencetrialtestimonymalpractice
negligencetrialtestimonymalpractice

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Jones v. Chidester, 531 Pa. 31, 610 A.2d 964

Facts

Billy Jones underwent orthopedic surgery on his leg in November 1979, during which Dr. Chidester used a tourniquet to create a bloodless field. Following the surgery, Jones experienced complications and was later diagnosed with a nerve injury resulting in 'drop foot.' At trial, both sides presented expert testimony regarding the appropriateness of the tourniquet's use, with the jury ultimately finding in favor of Dr. Chidester.

Billy Jones underwent orthopedic surgery on his leg in November 1979, during which Dr. Chidester used a tourniquet to create a bloodless field. Following the surgery, Jones experienced complications and was later diagnosed with a nerve injury resulting in 'drop foot.'

Issue

Whether the trial court properly instructed the jury on the 'two schools of thought doctrine' in the context of medical malpractice.

Whether the trial court properly instructed the jury on the 'two schools of thought doctrine' in the context of medical malpractice.

Rule

A medical practitioner has an absolute defense to a claim of negligence if the prescribed treatment has been approved by a considerable number of reputable and respected physicians, even if an alternative treatment is also accepted.

A medical practitioner has an absolute defense to a claim of negligence if the prescribed treatment has been approved by a considerable number of reputable and respected physicians, even if an alternative treatment is also accepted.

Analysis

The court analyzed the conflicting standards applied in previous cases regarding the 'two schools of thought doctrine.' It determined that the proper standard requires a considerable number of reputable physicians to support the treatment in question, rather than merely a respected minority. The court found that the trial court's instruction to the jury did not align with this standard, leading to potential confusion.

The court analyzed the conflicting standards applied in previous cases regarding the 'two schools of thought doctrine.' It determined that the proper standard requires a considerable number of reputable physicians to support the treatment in question, rather than merely a respected minority.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court reversed the lower court's decision and remanded the case for a new trial, clarifying the standard for the 'two schools of thought doctrine' in medical malpractice cases.

The Supreme Court reversed the lower court's decision and remanded the case for a new trial, clarifying the standard for the 'two schools of thought doctrine' in medical malpractice cases.

Who won?

Dr. John H. Chidester prevailed in the initial trial, as the jury found in his favor based on the expert testimony supporting his use of the tourniquet.

Dr. John H. Chidester prevailed in the initial trial, as the jury found in his favor based on the expert testimony supporting his use of the tourniquet.

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