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Medical Malpractice and Professional Negligence: What Does It Involve?
Home Journal • Medicine & Law

Medical Malpractice and Professional Negligence: What Does It Involve?

by internationalmedicalaid

Last Updated January 27, 2022

The idea of medical malpractice and professional negligence refers to situations in which a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, therapist, or nurse, fails to provide an appropriate standard of care to a patient that results in harm or injury.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can take in many forms, including surgical errors, misdiagnosis, prescription errors, and failure to accordingly monitor a patient’s condition. The patient must be able to prove that the healthcare professional had a duty to provide a certain standard of care and that this duty was breached. They must also prove that the breach caused the patient harm or injury in order for a claim of medical malpractice to be successful.

Professional Negligence

Professional negligence, on the other hand, refers to a broader category of malpractice that can take place in any profession, not just healthcare. This can include mistakes made by lawyers, accountants, engineers, or architects. A claim of professional negligence requires the patient to prove that the professional had a duty to provide a certain standard of care, that this duty was breached, and that the breach caused the patient’s injury or harm just like how medical malpractice works. To know more about this checkout Elmiron lawsuit. 

In both cases, the patient must also be able to show that the injury or harm resulted in measurable damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.

It is important to take note that just because a bad outcome occurs, it does not necessarily mean that medical malpractice or professional negligence has taken place. Healthcare professionals are human and make mistakes, but not all errors rise to the level of malpractice.

Patients who believe they have been the victim of medical malpractice or professional negligence should consult with a medical malpractice lawyer. An attorney specializing in these cases can help the patient gather the necessary evidence to prove their claim and can advise them on the best course of action.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Medical malpractice and professional negligence are serious cases that can have severe consequences for patients. These terms refer to situations where a healthcare professional or any other professional fails to provide an appropriate standard of care to a patient, resulting in harm or injury. If you believe you have been a victim of malpractice or negligence, it is essential to consult with an attorney who can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of pursuing a claim.

About IMA

International Medical Aid provides global internship opportunities for students and clinicians who are looking to broaden their horizons and experience healthcare on an international level. These program participants have the unique opportunity to shadow healthcare providers as they treat individuals who live in remote and underserved areas and who don’t have easy access to medical attention. International Medical Aid also provides medical school admissions consulting to individuals applying to medical school and PA school programs. We review primary and secondary applications, offer guidance for personal statements and essays, and conduct mock interviews to prepare you for the admissions committees that will interview you before accepting you into their programs. IMA is here to provide the tools you need to help further your career and expand your opportunities in healthcare.

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