---
title: What is medical malpractice and how is it different from a medical mistake?
description: Looking to learn about medical malpractice and how it differs from a medical mistake? Look no further than Legal Faqs' latest blog post. Our comprehensive guide breaks down the key differences and helps you understand what to do if you've experienced medical malpractice.
image: https://www.legalfaq.ai/hubfs/LegalFAQ/malpractice-legal-faqs.jpg
---

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 March 24, 2023

# What is medical malpractice and how is it different from a medical mistake?

![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 that occurs when a medical provider, such as a doctor or nurse, fails to provide treatment that meets the accepted standards of care in the medical community, thereby causing injury to a patient. In order to prove medical malpractice, a patient must show that the medical provider owed a duty of care to the patient, that the medical provider breached that duty of care through an act or omission, that the patient suffered harm, and that the medical provider's breach of duty was the cause of the harm suffered.

A medical mistake, on the other hand, is a general term that refers to any error or mistake made by a medical provider that may or may not rise to the level of malpractice. For example, while a misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a medical condition may be considered medical malpractice if it results in harm to the patient, a simple clerical error, such as a typographical error on a prescription, would not be considered malpractice.

It is important to note that the laws and legal precedents surrounding medical malpractice vary by jurisdiction, and what constitutes malpractice in one state may not be the same in another. Additionally, there are often time limits, known as statutes of limitations, that limit the amount of time a patient has to bring a medical malpractice claim, and failure to file a claim within the applicable statute of limitations may result in the patient being unable to recover damages.

If you believe you have been the victim of medical malpractice, it is important to consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can provide specific advice based on the laws and regulations applicable in your case. Your attorney may recommend further action, such as gathering medical records, consulting with medical experts, or filing a lawsuit, in order to pursue damages and hold the negligent medical provider accountable.

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