What is the difference between professional negligence and ordinary negligence?

Professional negligence and ordinary negligence both involve acts or omissions by someone that leads to harm to another person. The primary difference between them is the type of duty that was owed by the person who caused the harm. In ordinary negligence, the person who caused the harm is liable for breaching a duty of care that all general members of society owe to one another. This type of negligence applies to everyday activities, such as not looking before crossing a street or not maintaining a safe environment when invited guests are present. In professional negligence, the person who caused the harm is liable for breaching a duty of care specific to their profession. In Washington, medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and therapists must practice their profession in a way that meets the standard of care established by the medical profession in the same region. This standard is usually determined by requiring that medical professionals act with a degree of skill, care, and diligence that is generally accepted. The standard for ordinary negligence is typically easier to prove than the standard for professional negligence. As a result, ordinary negligence claims often occur more frequently than professional negligence claims. However, because the damage caused by professional negligence can be greater than the damage caused by ordinary negligence, the legal consequences of professional negligence can be more severe.

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What is the difference between professional negligence and ordinary negligence?

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