Depending on state law and the circumstances of the case, any of the following may be held liable for medical malpractice: physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, pharmacists, medical technicians, hospitals, and managed care organizations (HMOs and PPOs).

Yes. Other healthcare professionals also commit negligence if they violate the standard of care. However, the standard of care for a nurse may (and typically does) differ from the standard of care for a doctor. That is because nurses undergo different education and training than doctors do and also have different responsibilities.

A medical malpractice claim can be brought against those who provide medical or health care to a patient. This often includes physicians, registered nurses, hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacists, and even dentists. Claims may be brought against partners, individuals, corporations, and associations.

This is an excellent question. Many people, including some lawyers, and even some doctors, do not fully understand the nature of the "malpractice" claim. First, we try not to use the term "malpractice," because the prefix "mal" implies that a healthcare provider acts "maliciously," or is a "bad" person. In fact, the prefix "mal" comes from the Latin "malus," which means "bad.

The consequences of a physician’s negligence is likely to negatively change the life of the patient, resulting in extreme physical pain, as well as disfigurement, emotional duress, short or long term disabilities. Along with physical and emotional problems, a medical malpractice victim may undergo strain on familial relationships, loss of employment, and financial hardship.