What is the primary focus of medical malpractice law?

The primary focus of medical malpractice law is to protect patients from negligent care. Medical malpractice law is designed to ensure that healthcare providers adhere to established standards of care, and when they fail to do so, it allows patients who have suffered harm to seek redress. The underlying principle is to safeguard patients' rights to receive competent and appropriate medical treatment, thereby promoting accountability within the healthcare system.

While financial compensation for patients may occur as a result of a successful malpractice claim, that compensation is a secondary outcome rather than the primary focus of the law. Additionally, the intention is not to punish healthcare providers per se, but rather to hold them accountable for lapses in care that may lead to patient harm. Strict liability is generally not applicable in most medical malpractice cases, as these typically require a demonstration of negligence rather than simply substandard care. Thus, the emphasis remains on protecting patients by ensuring medical professionals meet their obligations in providing safe and effective treatment.