Medical malpractice and negligence are two related, but distinct, and equally important concepts in the health care industry. It’s important to understand the definitions of and differences between medical malpractice and negligence in order to navigate the legal system if you believe you’ve experienced harm as a result of either occurrence. In the guide below, take a look at what these terms mean and how they differ.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional fails to provide the expected standard of care. This means that the medical provider did not follow the accepted rules and regulations of the medical field, resulting in harm to the patient.

This failure can be due to a variety of factors, such as misdiagnosis, incorrect medication, surgical errors, or failure to properly inform the patient of the risks associated with a procedure. A successful medical malpractice case requires the patient to prove that the medical provider failed to provide the expected standard of care and the failure led to injury or death.

Negligence

Negligence occurs when a person fails to do something that a reasonable person would do or does something that a reasonable person would not do. This can include failure to act in a timely manner, making a mistake, or not taking the necessary precautions to protect other people from harm.

In a medical setting, negligence can occur if a doctor or other medical provider fails to provide the standard of care that is normally expected of a healthcare professional in a particular situation. In order for a negligence case to be successful, the patient must prove that the medical provider’s actions caused harm or injury to the patient. In contrast to medical malpractice, negligence does not have to involve a breach of the expected standard of care.

When you need a proven attorney to represent you in medical malpractice or negligence cases, place your trust in Henry & Williams PC in West Plains, MO. Serving clients throughout South Central Missouri for over 80 years, these experienced lawyers can help with a wide range of medical legal issues, including malpractice and negligence, personal injury, and wrongful death. Call them at (417) 256-8133 to discuss the details of your case or request a consultation, and visit them online to learn more about their services.