What legal principle protects patients in cases of professional negligence?

The legal principle that protects patients in cases of professional negligence is the duty of care. This principle establishes that healthcare professionals have an obligation to adhere to a standard of reasonable care while performing their duties. It implies that practitioners are required to act in a manner consistent with how a similarly qualified provider would act in similar circumstances, taking into consideration the patient's best interests.

When a healthcare provider fails to meet this duty, resulting in harm or injury to the patient, it can constitute professional negligence. The duty of care is fundamental in determining liability, as it sets the framework for assessing whether a healthcare professional acted with the requisite level of prudence and caution expected in their field.

Informed consent, while important for respecting patient autonomy, specifically relates to the requirement for patients to be fully informed before agreeing to treatment, rather than directly addressing professional negligence. Comparative fault pertains to the apportionment of responsibility among parties in civil cases, and breach of warranty involves issues related to contractual obligations, which are not directly related to the standard of care in medical practice. Thus, duty of care is essential for protecting patients in cases involving professional negligence.