Under which circumstance might a professional be held liable?

A professional may be held liable when they are negligent because negligence refers to a failure to take proper care in doing something, which results in damage or injury to another. In the medical field, this could mean that a healthcare provider has not met the established standard of care expected in their profession, leading to harm to a patient. Liability stems from the idea that professionals have a duty to provide care that is consistent with what a reasonably competent provider would offer, and breaching that duty through negligence can result in legal consequences.

For instance, if a physician fails to diagnose a condition that is commonly recognized and treatable, and that lapse leads to a worsened condition for the patient, the physician could be held liable for negligence. This principle is foundational in medical malpractice cases.

Performing a legal act does not lead to liability, as there would be no breach of duty involved. Similarly, intentionally harming a patient, while it may seem to indicate potential liability, typically falls under criminal law rather than negligence. Lastly, following up on patient appointments is an example of a professional fulfilling their duty of care and would not result in liability.