In a medical malpractice case, what must a plaintiff typically demonstrate?

In a medical malpractice case, it is essential for the plaintiff to demonstrate both the defendant's negligence and the plaintiff's injury. This dual requirement reflects the fundamental elements needed to establish a successful malpractice claim.

To prove negligence, the plaintiff must show that the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care expected in the medical community, which resulted in the injury. Additionally, the plaintiff must provide evidence of the injury or loss suffered due to that negligence. This could include physical injury, emotional distress, or financial loss directly attributable to the healthcare provider's actions or omissions.

The balance between these two components is critical in a malpractice case; if one is lacking, the plaintiff may not succeed in their claim. Merely showing the defendant's negligence without evidence of injury does not suffice, nor does proving an injury without establishing that it stemmed from negligence. Hence, the necessity to demonstrate both elements makes this option the correct choice in understanding the plaintiff's burden in a medical malpractice lawsuit.