Medical malpractice is the failure of a health care provider to treat and care for a patient with a reasonable degree of skill and care. If your doctor was careless, lacked proper skills, or disregarded established rules, during your stay in the hospital, a jury may find the health care provider negligent. If damages arise from such malpractice, a remedy may be sought in a state court of law. Hospitals can be liable for the negligence of their employees, including staff nurses and technicians. Various states have specific statutes governing medical malpractice claims. Many states provide for peer review by a panel of doctors before the claim may be reviewed by the court. Certain time and notice requirements may apply to your claim. If you believe that you have suffered injury due the negligence of a hospital, consulting with an attorney familiar with medical malpractice may help you determine the strength of your claim.