Medical malpractice happens when a doctor or another medical professional whose actions fall below the appropriate standard of care hurts or causes the death of a patient. Actions that may result in a malpractice lawsuit range from a doctor's failure to diagnose cancer to a doctor making an improper cut during surgery, resulting in injury or death. This includes, but is not limited to, misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose illness or injury, pharmaceutical errors, birth injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, nursing care or surgical errors.

Nursing home negligence, neglect and abuse may take many forms.  A resident might experience illness, injury, or even death in extreme cases. Some instances include pressure ulcers, dehydration, malnourishment, falls, improper restraints, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, medication issues, or abandonment.

Pharmacy malpractice is considered a form of medical malpractice and is caused by pharmacists, or pharmacy technicians, failing to competently perform their medical duties. Pharmacy malpractice can cause devastating, debilitating, and life-threatening complications or even death. A variety of injuries can occur as the result of pharmacy malpractice. Injuries and illnesses due to pharmacy error can be evident soon after taking a drug or take years to develop. Illnesses and injuries that may be caused by a pharmacy error include, but is not limited to, dosage errors, incorrect prescriptions, patient/prescription errors, and failing to counsel patient.