Hansen v. Virginia Mason Medical Center

— In this case, in response to the spouse’s concern that her husband’s death was imminent, the doctor allegedly told the patient and his family that the patient was not going to die within the year. Regardless of how this assurance by the doctor is interpreted, it is not a legally enforceable promise under RCW 7.70.030(2). A cause of action under RCW 7.70.030(2) requires an express undertaking or promise to obtain a specific result or cure through a procedure or a course of treatment. We reverse the trial court’s order granting summary judgment on liability and on remand direct entry of…