Cobbs v. Grant
Supreme Court of California
502 P.2d 1 (1972)
Relevant factsFree
Dr. Grant (defendant) recommended stomach ulcer surgery to Cobbs (plaintiff) but never disclosed risks like spleen injury or additional ulcers; after surgery, Cobbs required two further surgeries to remove his spleen and part of his stomach due to complications that were never disclosed as possible risks. Cobbs sued for medical malpractice, and the trial court instructed the jury on technical battery rather than negligence; the jury found for Cobbs, and Grant appealed.
IssueFree
Whether, before treating a patient, a doctor must reveal to the patient any information that a skilled practitioner of good standing would provide under similar circumstances.