Introduction
Hi, I’m Tulsa personal injury lawyer Michael S. Ashworth. Medical malpractice is a significant concern for patients and medical professionals in Oklahoma. As a personal injury attorney, I handle many cases related to medical negligence, including those involving nursing homes and hospitals. In this article, we will discuss what professional negligence is and how it relates to medical malpractice.
What Is Professional Negligence?
Professional negligence is a breach of duty by a licensed professional, such as a healthcare provider or attorney. This breach occurs when the professional fails to exercise the appropriate degree of care, skill, and learning required for their profession. Medical malpractice is a common example of professional negligence, but it can also include dental malpractice, mental health malpractice, and attorney malpractice.
In Oklahoma, medical malpractice is defined as the failure of a healthcare provider to meet the standard of care required for their training and experience. This failure must have caused injury or death to the patient. The standard of care is the benchmark by which professionals in a particular field are judged. If a healthcare provider fails to meet this standard, they may be liable for medical malpractice.
The Standard of Care
When determining if medical malpractice has occurred, several criteria must be met. First, the healthcare provider must owe a duty of care to the patient. This duty of care can apply to any licensed professional providing services. Second, the healthcare provider must have breached this duty of care by failing to meet the standard of care for their profession. The standard of care is the level of care that a reasonably skilled and competent professional in the same field would provide.
If the healthcare provider’s actions fall below this standard, they have breached their duty of care. This breach must have caused the patient’s injury or harm. Finally, the patient must have suffered damages as a result of this injury or harm. Damages can include physical harm, emotional distress, lost wages, and medical bills.
Free Consultation with a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. At TulsaPersonalInjuryLawyer.pro, we have experienced Oklahoma medical malpractice attorneys who can help you determine if you have a case. Call us today at (918) 924-5528 to schedule a free consultation.
