What is a potential legal consequence of not obtaining informed consent?

Obtaining informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in healthcare, as it ensures that patients understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives to a proposed treatment before agreeing to proceed. If informed consent is not obtained, one potential legal consequence is that the provider may face legal repercussions due to the lack of patient understanding. This can manifest as claims of battery or negligence, as the patient may argue that they did not have the complete information needed to make an informed decision regarding their care. Legal cases in such situations often hinge on demonstrating that the patient was not adequately informed about critical aspects of the treatment, which can lead to challenges in court and liability for the provider.