Willow
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School
St. John's University *
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Course
89778
Subject
Law
Date
Jun 1, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by MajorBoulder3427
Willow's Potential Liability and Defenses
Issues:
Willow's liability for Isla's injuries at her clinic.
Willow's liability for Isla's allergic reaction to the anesthetic.
Willow's liability for the car accident involving Django.
Legal Principles:
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Medical Negligence: Failure to warn about the potential risks of a medical treatment.
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Occupier’s Liability: Responsibility to ensure the safety of the premises.
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Negligent Driving: Duty to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle.
Analysis:
Medical Negligence:
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Duty of Care: Willow, as a medical professional, owes a duty of care to her patients, including Isla.
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Breach of Duty: Willow failed to inform Isla about the 1 in 1 million chance of a severe allergic reaction to the anesthetic.
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Causation: Isla suffered a severe allergic reaction leading to deafness.
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Case Reference: In Rogers v Whitaker (1992), it was established that medical practitioners must inform patients of any material risks involved in a proposed treatment.
Conclusion: Willow likely breached her duty of care by not warning Isla of the potential risk, resulting in medical negligence.
Occupier’s Liability:
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Duty of Care: As the occupier of the clinic, Willow must ensure the premises are safe for visitors.
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Breach of Duty: Isla tripped on the worn carpet, which Willow failed to repair.
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Causation: Isla sustained additional injuries due to the fall caused by the
worn carpet.
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Case Reference: In Australian Safeway Stores Pty Ltd v Zaluzna (1987), it was established that occupiers owe a duty of care to ensure that entrants do not suffer injury on their premises.
Conclusion: Willow likely breached her occupier’s duty of care by not maintaining the clinic in a safe condition, leading to Isla’s injuries.
Negligent Driving:
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Duty of Care: Willow owed a duty of care to Django as a passenger to drive safely.
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Breach of Duty: Willow drove after consuming alcohol, impairing her ability to drive safely.
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Causation: The impaired driving led to an accident causing serious injuries to both Willow and Django.
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Case Reference: In Council of the City of Greater Taree v Wells (2010), the concept of obvious risk and assumption of risk were discussed, although this case focuses more on the driver’s negligence.
Conclusion: Willow likely breached her duty of care by driving under the influence of alcohol, resulting in negligent driving.
Defenses:
Medical Negligence Defense:
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Contributory Negligence: Willow might argue that Isla should have informed her about any known allergies, although this is weak if Isla was unaware of the risk.
Occupier’s Liability Defense:
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Obvious Risk: Willow might argue that the worn carpet was an obvious risk that Isla should have noticed, though this is unlikely to be a strong defense.
Negligent Driving Defense:
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