The terms medical negligence and medical malpractice are often used interchangeably to describe errors made by healthcare professionals. However, on a more precise level, medical negligence is identified as a specific and critical component of a medical malpractice lawsuit. Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider's actions or lack of action diverge from the widely accepted medical standard of care. This standard is essentially the benchmark for quality and safe patient care that any competent healthcare professional would be expected to meet under similar conditions.