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ABSTRACT
This research examines medical negligence and its consequential effect on patients in Nigeria. Negligence as a tort is the breach of a legal duty to take care which results in damage undesired by the defendant to the plaintiff. This research work will not be analyzing negligence in its broad context to cover areas in which the concept is generally applied in law Negligence will be discussed and examined strictly within the medical sphere that is one between the medical practitioner and patient. Medical negligence refers to the failure of healthcare professionals to meet the accepted standards of care, resulting in harm to patients. It can occur in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Instances of medical negligence may include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and inadequate post-operative care. The effects of medical negligence on patients are profound. In cases of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, patients may suffer from a worsening of their condition, leading to pain, disability, or even death. This research finds that most Nigerians experience a terrible state of care by medical practitioners hence the quality of care must be improved in Nigeria and this can be achieved if medical practitioners are held liable for their careless acts. This research recommends that Laws made to cub medical negligence must be fully implemented and enforce strictly as this will help mitigate instances of medical negligence in Nigeria. It also recommends that the public be educated about medical negligence, patient rights and legal recourse available to victims. This research concludes that medical negligence in Nigeria has severe consequences on patients, but through certain legal mechanisms medical practitioners can be held accountable for their actions thus creating a safer health care environment for patients.
