What’s The Difference Between Medical Malpractice and Medical Negligence?

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Understanding Legal Terms Involving Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a complex area of personal injury law — and when a healthcare provider’s negligence harms someone, it can be a daunting task to navigate the legal process when seeking compensation. However, staying informed of the basics can help you and your attorney communicate effectively throughout your case.

When it comes to the terms “medical malpractice” and “medical negligence,” it’s critical to understand how they differ from one another. Here’s a breakdown for clarification:

Medical Malpractice vs. Medical Negligence

For there to be medical malpractice, first, there must be medical negligence. In other words, medical negligence is the action that caused harm to the patient and is the precursor to a medical malpractice claim. Here’s a breakdown of what each term means and how they relate to one another:

Medical Negligence

Medical negligence refers to substandard medical care. It can encompass a wide range for medical neglect such as:

  • Failure to provide proper treatments
  • Failure to diagnose
  • Failure to take appropriate action
  • Medication dosage errors
  • Lack of proper aftercare

Medical Malpractice

After medical negligence has occurred and a patient has suffered an injury due to substandard medical care, it then becomes medical malpractice. Several factors are involved for a healthcare provider to be held liable in a medical malpractice suit, and submitting proof is critical. To learn more about proving medical malpractice, view our related article here:

Related Article: Is It Difficult to Prove Medical Malpractice?

Learn Your Rights in a Medical Malpractice Claim

If you or your loved one suffered injuries or had a condition worsen due to medical negligence, we are here to help you seek justice through a medical malpractice claim. When you have questions about your legal options, our attorneys have the answers you need. We are ready to fight to protect your rights.

You may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses; if so, our team can help you recover the maximum compensation you are owed.

To schedule a consultation with an attorney at Grewal Law PLLC, call (888) 211-5798 today.

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