Medical malpractice, or medical negligence, happens when a medical provider fails to uphold the normal standards and practices of other professionals in the field, and those actions cause injury. Medical malpractice is a negligence claim. Anyone with a potential medical malpractice case must prove each of the following elements for a successful claim. Duty Medical providers owe patients a duty of care. The responsibility of care requires doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to act reasonably and like other similar providers will in similar circumstances. Medical professionals who treat you in a doctor’s office, emergency room, or hospital have a duty of reasonable care to you. Breach A breach of duty happens when the person or entity that owed you a duty of care fails to comply with their obligations. Examples of medical professionals breaching their duty include misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose, failing to administer medication, giving the wrong medications, failure to supervise a patient who is a fall risk, etc. Anytime a medical professional fails to act reasonably, a patient may face grave harm. Cause The medical professional’s negligence must cause an injured person harm. This element can be challenging to prove, particularly if there is a long period between the injury and the case filing. Damages Any medical malpractice victim must prove they suffered damages to win their case. For example, you must show you acquired more medical bills to treat your injury, lost wages, or suffered pain and suffering.