Dr. Milagros L. Cantre v. Sps · G.R. 160889

Petitioner: Dr. Milagros L. Cantre
Respondent: Sps. John David Z. Go
Citation: G.R. No. 160889
Court: Supreme Court
Division: Second Division
Ponente: Quisumbing, J.
Decided: April 27, 2007

Summary

Dr. Milagros Cantre, an obstetrician, was sued for damages after her patient Nora Go suffered a severe burn injury during delivery complications on April 20, 1992. While treating Nora's post-delivery hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock, Nora sustained a 2.5 x 3.5 inch burn wound on her left arm that required skin grafting and scar revision, leaving permanent scarring. The Supreme Court applied the res ipsa loquitur doctrine and 'captain of the ship' principle, finding Dr. Cantre negligent regardless of whether the injury was caused by a droplight or blood pressure cuff, as both instruments were under her exclusive control. The Court affirmed the Court of Appeals' award of P200,000 moral damages under Civil Code Articles 2176 and 2217, establishing precedent for medical malpractice liability based on professional negligence causing patient injury.

Statutes applied

Civil Code, Art. 2176

Related cases

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By the Intellegal Editorial Board · April 27, 2007

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