Michigan Medical Malpractice Glossary

Analgesic – Generic term for drugs that provide pain relief. Some provide higher levels of pain relief than others.

Medical Negligence – Failure of a doctor or other medical professional to meet the standards of conduct for duties relating to the medical profession. Those standards are based on what a reasonable individual with the requisite skills and knowledge would or would not do.

Misdiagnosis – A doctor’s failure to properly diagnose or identify a patient’s medical condition. A medical professional can be held liable for any damages that result from a misdiagnosis if the medical error was a result of carelessness.

Occupational Therapy – Therapy designed to enable the injured person to work with their hands and arms.

Physical Therapy – Therapy designed to improve mobility and keep muscles stretched.

Rebuttal – Evidence that attempts to explain, disprove or counteract facts given in evidence by the other party.

Seizures – Someone having a seizure may “freeze” abruptly,” shake violently and fall or simply fall down. Approximately half of all people with cerebral palsy suffer from some form of seizures.

Stipulation – An admission, agreement, or concession made in a judicial proceeding by the parties or their lawyers, thus relieving a party of its obligation to produce evidence in support of an argument or allegation.

Terminal Illness – A medical condition which is expected to result in someone’s death within 6 months with no expected recovery.

Withdrawal – Discontinuation of the use of an addictive medication, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, shaking, vomiting, hot or cold flashes, bone pain, irritability, etc.