What Is Medical Negligence in NSW — And How Do You Know If You Have a Claim?
Most people who have suffered harm at the hands of a healthcare professional carry the same doubt: Was it negligence, or just an unavoidable outcome? It is a question that stops many from ever seeking legal advice. But understanding the legal definition of medical negligence — and the clear distinction between a bad result and a negligent one — is the first step toward knowing whether you or someone you love has a valid claim.
This article explains exactly what medical negligence is under NSW law, the four elements every claim must establish, the types of situations that most commonly give rise to claims, and what sets a compensable medical error apart from the inevitable risks that exist in every medical procedure.