What is defined as harm that befell the patient due to a mistake made by the caregiver?

Negligence is defined as harm that befalls a patient as a result of a caregiver's mistake or failure to provide an appropriate standard of care. In the context of medical practice, negligence occurs when a healthcare professional fails to exercise the level of skill, care, and judgment that a reasonable professional would in a similar situation. This can include mistakes such as incorrect diagnosis, improper treatment, or failure to monitor a patient's condition.

The concept of negligence is built on the understanding that caregivers have a duty to their patients to provide care that meets established standards. When this duty is breached and results in harm to the patient, it can lead to legal repercussions for the caregiver or healthcare institution involved.

Abandonment refers to a situation where a healthcare provider terminates the patient-provider relationship without providing adequate notice or a reasonable alternative means of care, which is distinct from negligence. Assault involves an intention to cause apprehension or fear of harmful contact, while battery refers to actual physical contact that causes harm. Neither of these terms pertains specifically to mistakes made in the course of providing care.