| Part of the common law series |
| Tort law |
|---|
| (Outline) |
| Trespass to the person |
| Property torts |
| Dignitary torts |
| Negligent torts |
| Principles of negligence |
| Strict and absolute liability |
| Nuisance |
| Economic torts |
|
| Defences |
| Liability |
| Remedies |
| Other topics in tort law |
|
| By jurisdiction |
| Other common law areas |
In the law of torts, malpractice, also known as professional negligence, is an "instance of negligence or incompetence on the part of a professional".[1]
Professionals who may become the subject of malpractice actions include:
- medical professionals: a medical malpractice claim may be brought against a doctor or other healthcare provider who fails to exercise the degree of care and skill that a similarly situated professional of the same medical specialty would provide under the circumstances.[2]
- lawyers: a legal malpractice claim may be brought against a lawyer who fails to render services with the level of skill, care, and diligence that a reasonable lawyer would apply under similar circumstances.[1]
- financial professionals: professionals such as accountants, financial planners, and stockbrokers may be subject to claims for professional negligence based upon their failure to meet professional standards when providing services to their clients.
- architects and engineers: a construction professional may be accused of professional negligence for failing to meet professional standards in the design and construction of buildings and structures.
- ^ a b Malpractice definition, Garner, Bryan A. (2009). Black's Law Dictionary (9 ed.). West. ISBN 978-0314199492. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- ^ "Malpractice". Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, Inc. Retrieved 7 December 2017.