What is the difference between medical error and malpractice?

Modern medicine is not perfect. Sometimes healthcare providers make mistakes, and sometimes treatments simply do not work. The dividing line between an understandable error and medical malpractice is this question: “Would a reasonable person with the same experience and training have made the same decision that the defendant did?”

If the defendant in a medical malpractice case can demonstrate that his or her actions were reasonable based on the circumstances, he or she could be found not guilty. However, if the plaintiff has evidence that the defendant failed to meet professional standards, the plaintiff may be awarded compensation for his or her losses.

If you have been harmed by a negligent doctor, surgeon, or other healthcare provider, you may be able to take legal action. Contact the Champaign medical malpractice lawyers of Spiros Law, P.C. at 217-328-2828.