Elderly drivers and fatal accidents: Is the doctor responsible?

[posted on behalf of Art Caplan]

Should a physician be held responsible if an elderly patient causes a car accident while driving?

A Los Angeles jury recently decided that Dr. Arthur Daigneault was not responsible for the wrongful death of 90-year-old William Powers, whose longtime partner, a dementia patient, drove into the path of an oncoming car, according to a report by The Los Angeles Times. The driver Lorraine Sullivan, 85, survived, but Powers died of his injuries weeks after the crash.

The Orange County, Calif. jury cleared Daigneault, but the case raises the question of whether the physician should have reported his patient — who had suffered memory loss since 2007 and was prescribed an Alzheimer’s drug in 2009 — to local health authorities or urged the California Department of Motor Vehicles revoke her license.

Read the rest over at NBC News Vitals.

0 thoughts to “Elderly drivers and fatal accidents: Is the doctor responsible?”

  1. It’s an increasingly clouded issue. Unfortunately making a decision either way too prematurely could set a dangerous precedent as it could then be extrapolated and applied to many other cases that raise the issue of elderly/unwell motorists and the responsibility that they possess, so it’s something that is going to require careful consideration from the powers that be!

    I’m just glad that Mrs. Sullivan was OK.

    Sometimes, the best course of action for somebody struggling with the symptoms of dementia is to ensure their safety by transferring their residence to a dedicated retirement home like the one my Gran’s friend lives at in Essex. Then they have the care and services that they need all around the clock from a qualified nursing staff!

    Thanks for the post, very thought provoking 🙂

  2. As a a driving instructor in Birmingham, UK, I can say that in this situation, I would be leaning toward recommending someone else driving rather than the lady with dementia.

    Of course, independence is important in these situations, but safety comes first.

    I agree with Lisa too, though. This could easily be handled in a completely wrong way if rushed.

  3. As a a driving instructor in Birmingham, UK, I can say that in this situation, I would be leaning toward recommending someone else driving rather than the lady with dementia.

    Of course, independence is important in these situations, but safety comes first.

    I agree with Lisa too, though. This could easily be handled in a completely wrong way if rushed.

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