Until 1970 comparatively few cases of medical responsibility for sudden death in professional athletic events were brought before Court. Similar cases have became somewhat more pregnant since then. Reports in Literature generally concern subjects who had suffered from heart disorders that were either already known or suspected, therefore sudden and unexpected death in the strictest sense should be excluded. In view of the above, this work describes basic medico-legal criteria, by which the medical profession can avoid being held liable for fatal events and points out the various elements that may lead to mistakes when drafting certificates (judgements) of fitness in sports. The Authors also stress that athletes require expert attention when submitted to dangerous instrumental examinations and define the area of liability of different specialists taking part in the evaluation.
Sudden death in athletes and medical liability
DI VELLA, Giancarlo;
1994-01-01
Abstract
Until 1970 comparatively few cases of medical responsibility for sudden death in professional athletic events were brought before Court. Similar cases have became somewhat more pregnant since then. Reports in Literature generally concern subjects who had suffered from heart disorders that were either already known or suspected, therefore sudden and unexpected death in the strictest sense should be excluded. In view of the above, this work describes basic medico-legal criteria, by which the medical profession can avoid being held liable for fatal events and points out the various elements that may lead to mistakes when drafting certificates (judgements) of fitness in sports. The Authors also stress that athletes require expert attention when submitted to dangerous instrumental examinations and define the area of liability of different specialists taking part in the evaluation.
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