Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the field of healthcare. More and more hospitals and other healthcare platforms are incorporating AI into operations. Full integration is just a matter of time.
Clinically, AI can analyze imaging scans at new levels of precision. Predictive analytics can detect a health issue far in advance of previous norms, enabling earlier interventions. AI-assisted robotic systems enhance surgical accuracy, minimizing complications and improving recovery times.
AI has impressive capabilities, but it’s not perfect. For example, AI systems might fail to detect a small tumor on an imaging test. AI-powered surgical instruments sometimes freeze or make unexpected movements during procedures, or respond incorrectly to a surgeon’s commands. AI systems sometimes recommend medications and therapies based on incomplete or erroneous patient data.
Medical malpractice claims hinge on the standard of care: Did the medical practitioner provide the level of skill, knowledge, and attention owed to the patient? AI complicates this doctrine.
For instance, did the human medical provider depend too much on AI technology and fail to thoroughly double-check a diagnosis or treatment recommendation? Did the human medical provider misinterpret AI’s output? Is the software developer liable for a flawed AI algorithm? Did a robotic system have a design defect? When errors are made, patients may pay a devastating price.
Human healthcare providers are expected to understand the limits of the AI tools they utilize. Hospitals may be held liable for failing to properly evaluate AI systems before deploying them or for providing inadequate staff training.
AI adds to the complexity of medical malpractice cases and muddies the waters of liability. If you or a loved one is harmed by medical malpractice, contact our firm for skilled and thoughtful guidance
