Medical Negligence

Understanding Medical Negligence

Definition: Medical negligence, also known as medical malpractice, refers to the failure of a healthcare provider to meet the standard of care expected in their profession, resulting in harm to the patient. This harm can manifest as physical injury, emotional distress, financial loss, or worsening of a medical condition.

Causes: Medical negligence can arise from various factors, including misdiagnosis, medication errors, surgical mistakes, failure to obtain informed consent, inadequate treatment, negligent prenatal care, and lack of proper follow-up care.

Consequences: The consequences of medical negligence can be devastating for patients and their families, leading to prolonged suffering, permanent disability, loss of income, emotional trauma, and even death. In addition to physical and emotional harm, victims of medical negligence may face financial burdens due to medical expenses, loss of wages, and ongoing care needs.