Malpractice

What Does Malpractice Mean?

Malpractice refers to an act of negligence or incompetence committed by a professional. It is a complete or partial abandonment of a professional duty, often committed by a lawyer or a physician. There is also malpractice in case of a person’s failure to exercise the extraordinary degree of diligence, prudence, and skill required of a professional when rendering his services. This act then results in injury, damage, or loss.

Insuranceopedia Explains Malpractice

Malpractice is committed most often by a lawyer or a physician. When it is committed by a lawyer, it is referred to as legal malpractice; whereas, when it is committed by a physician, hospital, or other health care professional, it is called medical malpractice. Moreover, malpractice occurs when the following three elements are present: first, that there be a failure on the part of the professional to exercise the standard of care or conduct mandated by his duty; second, that such failure resulted to injury or a negative outcome; and third, that injury has caused significant damages.

Doctors, health care professionals, hospitals, and lawyers against may purchase medical malpractice insurance or legal malpractice insurance coverage to protect against being sued for this type of negligence.