---
title: What is medical malpractice?
description: Looking to understand medical malpractice? Legal Faqs has you covered! Our blog explains what medical malpractice is and what you can do if you've been a victim. Let us guide you through this confusing legal topic.
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 April 17, 2023

# What is medical malpractice?

![Picture of Chris Battis](https://www.legalfaq.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/battis-mug.jpg?width=50&name=battis-mug.jpg) By  [Chris Battis](https://www.legalfaq.ai/faqs/author/chris-battis)  ·   1 minute read

Medical malpractice is a type of negligence or wrongful acts committed by healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, dentists, or other medical practitioners, that result in harm or injury to a patient. Medical malpractice can occur in different ways, such as misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose, surgical errors, medication errors, birth injuries, or wrongful death.

To prove medical malpractice, the plaintiff (patient) must establish several elements, including the existence of a doctor-patient relationship, a breach of the duty of care owed to the patient, causation, and damages. The plaintiff must also demonstrate that the doctor's conduct fell below the accepted standard of care in the medical community, which can be proved by expert testimony.

In many jurisdictions, there are limitations or exceptions to the types of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice cases. For instance, some states have capped the amount of damages that a plaintiff can recover, while others require the plaintiff to present proof of economic damages, such as medical bills or lost wages, to recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

If you believe that you or a loved one has been harmed by medical malpractice, it is important to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. An attorney can evaluate the strength of your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

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