When it's okay to say you're sorry

Traditionally, physicians have been warned not to express sympathy to a patient whose treatment has not been successful, lest such a statement could be construed as an admission of liability in a court of law. It is now realized that a patient whose physician expresses sympathy is less likely to bring suit than a patient who feels angry and alone in his or her disappointment. Fortunately, legislation is being passed in some states which disallows the admissibility of a physician's "benevolent gesture" in court.