Negligence Vs. Malpractice
Negligence and malpractice are both unintentional torts that can happen in the medical setting. Let us define the difference between the two.
According to the book, “Fundamentals of Nursing,” of Barbara Kozier, et. al, “negligence is misconduct or practice that is below the standard expected of an ordinary, reasonable and prudent person, placing another person at risk for harm. Malpractice, on the other hand, is “professional negligence” that is, negligence that occurred while the person was performing as a professional.”
It is important to know the difference between negligence and malpractice, especially when you are a medical practitioner so that you are aware of your potential liability while doing your job or while simply helping others survive from an injury or sickness.
To sum it up, both negligence and malpractice are wrong acts which should be avoided especially by physicians, dentists, nurses and other medical specialists. Why? It is because as they are responsible of saving the lives of their patients.
Tags: malpractice, negligence, unintentional tort