It is medical malpractice when patients suffer consequences due to substandard medical care. When a doctor, nurse, hospital, or other health care provider causes an unnecessary injury to a patient, the patient (or the patient's family) may file a medical malpractice lawsuit.
As defined by law, malpractice requires more than just bad luck or a health care practitioner "being human" to qualify as an event. Care or treatment that falls short of these minimum standards is considered malpractice. Negligent care refers to treatment that falls below acceptable standards.
However, the phrase "medical malpractice" can also refer to irresponsible or purposeful misbehaviour, such as the early discharge of a patient for financial reasons, the performance of surgery for which the patient has not agreed, or the sexual assault of an unconscious patient.
Clients who suffer harm due to a provider's actions or inaction may be eligible for monetary damages if they can prove the provider's misbehaviour directly caused their injury. Many lawyers are willing to take such claims on a "contingency fee basis," meaning they will only be paid if you successfully get compensation.
Due to the providers' extensive technical advantages, this area of law is notoriously difficult for patients who have suffered injuries (and their insurance companies). In cases of medical misconduct, having a strong legal advocate on your side is crucial. You should not procrastinate, as there are strict (and often arbitrary) deadlines for filing a lawsuit ("you snooze, you lose").
