Legal Definitions - maltreatment

Definition: Maltreatment refers to bad treatment, especially when it is caused by ignorance, neglect, or willfulness. It can also refer to improper treatment by a surgeon. Maltreatment is similar to malpractice, which is an instance of negligence or incompetence on the part of a professional.

Examples:

• Medical malpractice: This occurs when a doctor fails to provide the necessary care and skill that a physician or surgeon of the same medical specialty would use under similar circumstances. For example, if a surgeon operates on the wrong body part, it would be considered medical malpractice.
• Legal malpractice: This occurs when a lawyer fails to provide professional services with the skill, prudence, and diligence that an ordinary and reasonable lawyer would use under similar circumstances. For example, if a lawyer misses an important deadline that causes their client to lose their case, it would be considered legal malpractice.

These examples illustrate how maltreatment can occur in different professions and can have serious consequences for the individuals affected. It is important for professionals to provide the necessary care and skill to avoid maltreatment and malpractice.