What is the difference between medical malpractice and medical negligence?

As a lawyer, I can explain the difference between medical malpractice and medical negligence. Medical malpractice is a legal cause of action that can be brought by patients who have suffered harm as a result of a healthcare professional's failure to adhere to the generally accepted standard of care. This means that the healthcare professional did something in a way that would not be considered reasonable by other members of their profession. For example, if a doctor fails to diagnose a life-threatening condition that should have been caught during an examination, the patient may have a valid claim for medical malpractice.

Medical negligence, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to any deviation from the recognized standard of care by a healthcare professional. Negligence is the failure to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm or injury to another person. Medical negligence can include a variety of errors and mistakes, such as misreading lab results, administering incorrect dosage of medication, or not providing the correct standard of care in surgery. Negligence can be intentional, but is more commonly the result of carelessness, inexperience, or a lack of attention.

It's important to note that not all medical errors or mistakes amount to malpractice or negligence. For a claim to be successful, the plaintiff must be able to show that the healthcare professional breached their duty of care to the patient and that this breach led to the patient's injury or harm.

If you believe that you have suffered harm or injury as a result of medical malpractice or negligence, it's essential to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney who specializes in these types of cases. They will be able to inform you about the specific laws and regulations in your jurisdiction and provide you with guidance on the best course of action to take.

Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that medical malpractice and negligence cases are complex, time-consuming, and expensive. So, it's essential to have realistic expectations about the potential outcome of any legal action taken. If you do decide to pursue legal action, be prepared to provide your attorney with detailed medical records, notes about your symptoms and treatment, and any correspondence with the healthcare provider. Ultimately, the key to a successful case is being well-prepared with compelling evidence that clearly establishes the defendant's liability for your injuries or damages.