The elements of a medical malpractice claim, which is called a “Health Care Liability Action” in Tennessee, are duty, breach, causation, and damages. In other words, you must be able to show that a physician or health care provider had a duty to act in a certain manner (called the “standard of care”), failed to do so, and caused you harm as a result of that failure. In order to prevail, you must prove each element is more likely than not true and must do so with expert testimony. Under Tennessee law, a plaintiff must consult with a qualified expert who certifies the claim is not frivolous even before filing suit.