What’s the Difference Between Medical Malpractice and Medical Negligence in Cleveland, Ohio? September 16, 2012.

If you are pursuing legal action following a medical malpractice accident you may be wondering what the difference between medical malpractice and medical negligence is. Distinguishing the two can become confusing as they are often used interchangeably. Allow an experienced Cleveland medical malpractice attorney to teach you the difference.

Medical malpractice is a blanket term that refers to the situation of injury to a patient because of a healthcare professional. Negligence is an element of medical malpractice. Malpractice can also be claimed on other grounds and refuted if it is found that the accident or mistake could not have been prevented.

Negligence is typically defined as the failure to exercise a duty of care. A doctor has an obligation to provide you proper care (i.e. perform your surgery correctly, prescribe you the right medication). If a doctor failed to do so, resulting in an injury or illness then they can be said to be negligent. Even if no harm was done to the patient, the doctor or healthcare professional in question can still be held liable.

Whether you think your accident was a case of medical negligence or general medical malpractice, it’s important to contact a Cleveland medical malpractice attorney to help you file. Contact us today to discuss your case.