Medical malpractice is misconduct by a physician, usually negligence. To win a medical malpractice lawsuit, a plaintiff must generally establish: 1) the physician had a duty to the patient; 2) in satisfying his or her duty to the patient, the physician violated the applicable standard of care; 3) the plaintiff has an injury for which the plaintiff is entitled to compensation; and 4) the physician’s conduct caused the plaintiff’s injury. Medical liability, a related term, generally refers to more general health care litigation that may include hospitals, nursing homes, pharmaceuticals, or health insurers.