Glossary: Medical malpractice

Causation: The connection that must be shown between conduct and the claimed harm. Timing alone does not always establish it.
Expert witness: A professional with specialized knowledge who analyzes or explains matters beyond ordinary knowledge. The disputed issues determine whether one is needed.
Limitation period: A legal time limit for pursuing a claim. Its start, interruption, and possible exceptions require individual analysis.
Discovery: A litigation process for obtaining relevant information and records; it may include written questions and depositions.
Deposition: Testimony under oath taken outside trial, often as part of discovery.
Settlement: An agreement resolving a dispute. Its scope, payments, and releases should be understood before acceptance.

Causation