{"id":353170,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:39","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/medical-malpractice\/medical-malpractice-background.html"},"modified":"2023-11-24T11:28:41","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T16:28:41","slug":"medical-malpractice-background","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/medical-malpractice\/medical-malpractice-background.html","title":{"rendered":"Medical Malpractice Legal Background"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Medical Malpractice Legal Background<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Hanan Zaki, J.D., LL.M.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Medical malpractice is a type of personal injury case based on the negligence of a healthcare provider such as a physician.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

A physician’s medical negligence can lead to medical errors. A misdiagnosis, surgical error, or further injury qualifies as a medical malpractice claim. Accidents happen in hospitals and in the practice of medicine in general, some of which are preventable.<\/p>\n

This article offers a basic introduction to medical malpractice law. These cases can be complex, and you’ll need more detailed advice if you have a claim. Contact a local medical malpractice lawyer<\/a> to review whether you can sue and how to get started.<\/p>\n

Elements of a Medical Malpractice Claim<\/h2>\n

In order to bring a\u00a0medical malpractice claim<\/a>, the following elements must be met.<\/p>\n