“What is the difference between a medical malpractice law suit and a personal injury law suit?”

A medical malpractice case is a law suit against a doctor (or other health care provider) because the medical treatment rendered to a particular patient at a certain time deviated from acceptable standards of care for doctors (or other health care provider) in the area.

A personal injury suit is ANY lawsuit (medical practice, car accident, trip and fall accident, etc.) in which the injured party (the plaintiff) seeks damages (monetary award) for “personal injury,” also known as a claim for pain and suffering. Personal injuries are one element of damages sought. There can also be other types of damages in law suits brought by injured people, such as claims for medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses.

So all medical malpractice claims seek damages for personal injuries along with possibly claims for medical bills, lost wages and out of pocket expenses. But not all personal injury suits (suits for car accidents, trip and fall accidents, and medical malpractice) are medical malpractice suits.