Are there any differences between professional negligence and ordinary negligence?
Yes, there are differences between professional negligence and ordinary negligence. Professional negligence is a type of negligence that applies when a professional person, such as a doctor, lawyer, or accountant, fails to perform his or her duties in a reasonably skilled manner. Ordinary negligence, on the other hand, usually applies when a person fails to use reasonable care in an everyday situation, such as when driving a car or using a product. In Washington, professional negligence is subject to a higher standard of care than ordinary negligence. This means that a professional must act with greater care, skill, and diligence than what would be considered reasonable for an ordinary person. For example, a doctor who performs a procedure must exercise a higher degree of care and skill than what would be expected of a nonprofessional person. In Washington, people who have been injured due to professional negligence may have the right to sue for damages. Because professional negligence is different from ordinary negligence, the burden of proof in a case of professional negligence is also higher. This means that it is tougher to prove that professional negligence has caused an injury.
Related FAQs
What is the process for filing a professional negligence claim?What is the purpose of professional liability law?
What types of professional negligence claims do professional liability laws cover?
How do professional liability laws differ from other types of liability laws?
What is the standard of care expected of professionals in a given situation?
What is the difference between a breach of duty of care and a breach of professional liability law?
What is the legal definition of a "professional" in a given situation?
What are the costs associated with professional liability insurance?
How does a professional determine the right type of professional liability insurance coverage?
What is the difference between direct and vicarious liability in professional liability law?
Related Blog Posts
What is Professional Liability Law? - July 31, 2023The Benefits of Professional Liability Law: What You Need to Know - August 7, 2023
Navigating the Complexities of Professional Liability Law - August 14, 2023
How Businesses Can Protect Themselves Through Professional Liability Law - August 21, 2023
Uncovering the Benefits of Professional Liability Insurance - August 28, 2023