Exploring the Relationship between Law and Medicine via Legal Malpractice and Litigation

Abstract

Legal malpractice remains a critical area of study at the intersection of law, ethics, and professional responsibility. Research on malpractice provides valuable insights into how lawyers’ duties of competence, diligence, and loyalty are tested in practice, and how failures can generate liability for both individual attorneys and law firms. The article examines issues like informed consent, healthcare privacy laws, medical malpractice, patient rights, and medical professional regulation. This paper seeks to advance knowledge of the legal framework governing medical practice and its effects on patient care by illuminating these intricate legal concerns. By synthesizing these areas, the study highlights that malpractice is not merely an individual failing but also a reflection of evolving professional norms, client expectations, and regulatory frameworks. Insights from malpractice research underscore the need for stronger preventive practices—ranging from clearer client communication and robust documentation to the ethical integration of technology—while also calling for ongoing dialogue between courts, bar associations, and scholars to refine liability standards. Ultimately, examining malpractice claims provides a unique lens through which to understand the challenges facing the legal profession and to propose reforms that enhance accountability, client trust, and the quality of legal services.