In Brief
A widow and her children appealed a consumer commission decision dismissing their claim against doctors for post-operative medical negligence following their husband's death from complications after a kidney transplant. The Supreme Court upheld the dismissal, holding that a doctor cannot be liable merely because a patient dies despite expert care. The Court emphasized that medical negligence requires proof the doctor fell below the standard of a reasonably competent practitioner—not mere failure to prevent complications. Where experienced nephrologists provided appropriate protocols and treatment, absence of negligence cannot be inferred. The Court affirmed established medical negligence principles: doctors must exercise reasonable competence, but cannot guarantee recovery."
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