In professional negligence, which factor defines the standard of care?

In professional negligence, which factor defines the standard of care?

• A. The city in which the professional practices
• B. The average professional in the community
• C. The custom of the profession
• D. The expert witness required

Answer: (C)

In professional negligence cases, the standard of care is what a reasonably competent member of the profession would do under similar circumstances. This is defined by the custom or standard practices of the profession as a whole, not by the local city’s practices or by the average practitioner in the community. Expert testimony and established professional guidelines typically establish that standard. So the defining factor is the custom of the profession.

In professional negligence cases, the standard of care is what a reasonably competent member of the profession would do under similar circumstances. This is defined by the custom or standard practices of the profession as a whole, not by the local city’s practices or by the average practitioner in the community. Expert testimony and established professional guidelines typically establish that standard. So the defining factor is the custom of the profession.