Comparative law notes
In Brazil, the term "negligência médica" denotes omission, since it refers specifically to the failure to do something or to exercise a certain degree of care. The general term used to refer to any damages caused to a patient as a result of a health care provider's action or ommission is "erro médico". An "erro médico" can be caused in three different ways: through a) negligence (in Portuguese, "negligência"); b) recklessness (in Portuguese, "imprudência") or c) unskilfullness (in Portuguese, "imperícia"). Therefore,"negligência médica" is a specific type of "erro médico" characterized by negligent behavior.
