Malpractice
Professional negligence where a professional fails to meet the standard of care expected in their field, causing harm.
Detailed Explanation
Malpractice most commonly refers to medical malpractice and legal malpractice. Medical malpractice requires proving the provider deviated from accepted medical standards and caused injury. Legal malpractice requires proving the attorney's negligence caused financial harm and that the underlying case would have succeeded. Malpractice cases require expert testimony and are expensive to pursue ($50,000-$500,000+ in case costs).
Related Terms
Fiduciary Duty
The highest legal duty of care, requiring a person to act in the best interest of another party.
Negligence
Failure to exercise reasonable care that results in harm to another person, forming the basis of most personal injury claims.
Liability
Legal responsibility for one's actions or omissions that cause harm to another person or their property.