Expert Testimony Required to Proceed on Malpractice Claim Against a Physical Therapist

In the case of Bassill v. Main Line Hospitals, Inc., No. 16-01575 (E.D. Pa. Jan. 11, 2018 Pappert, J.), the Eastern District Federal Court of Pennsylvania entered summary judgment in favor of a Defendant after finding that a claim of negligence against a physical therapist involves a claim for professional negligence for which expert testimony is required to establish the standard of care for the jury.  

In this decision, the court also noted that expert testimony establishing causation is also mandatory under Pennsylvania law.  

Given the pro se Plaintiff’s failures in this regard, the court granted summary judgment in favor of the defense. 

The Bassill court's Opinion can be viewed HERE.  The accompanying Order can be viewed HERE

I send thanks to Attorney James M. Beck of the Philadelphia law office of Reed Smith for bringing this case to my attention.