What is the relationship between negligence and malpractice?

Malpractice is indeed considered a type of negligence that specifically pertains to professionals, particularly in fields such as medicine, law, and finance. It occurs when a professional fails to provide the standard of care that is expected in their profession, leading to harm or injury to a client or patient. This failure can arise from errors in judgment, poor technique, or failure to act when necessary, reflecting a breach of duty that gives rise to legal liability.

The key distinction lies in the setting: negligence applies to general careless behavior that results in harm, while malpractice is a specialized form of negligence that involves professionals whose actions are measured against established standards of practice in their fields. Understanding this relationship is crucial in medical law and ethics, as it influences how claims are made and the potential legal repercussions faced by professionals in their practice.