Opinion
AMNews used the wrong word in reporting liability trial verdict
LETTER — Posted April 12, 2004
Regarding "Dr. Diakos on trial" (Article, March 22/29): Your article refers to Rose Diakos, MD, as being found "not guilty" of malpractice. This terminology is incorrect, and has negative connotations.
Physicians are not "found guilty" of malpractice. Physicians are found "liable for damages based on a preponderance of evidence." Guilt or innocence refers to criminal actions, not civil actions, and the standard of proof in criminal actions is "beyond a reasonable doubt." The distinction is an important one.
Mark Fritze, MD, Andover, Kansas
Editor's note: AMNews regrets the error.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/04/12/edlt0412.htm.