Flowers v. Torrance Memorial Hospital Medical Center

Opinion

ARABIAN, J.

—In this case, we consider the distinction between “ordinary” and “professional” negligence and conclude that with respect to questions of substantive law they comprise essentially one form of action. Apart from statutory considerations, characterizing misfeasance as one type of negligence or the other generally only serves to define the standard of care applicable to the defendant’s conduct. Accordingly, we reverse the decision of the Court of Appeal holding that the same alleged breach of duty can give rise to distinct causes of action for “ordinary” as well as…