What are the three types of negligence?

The three types of negligence are nonfeasance, malfeasance, and misfeasance. These terms categorize the ways in which a duty of care can be breached:

• Nonfeasance refers to the failure to act when there is a duty to do so. For example, if an athletic trainer fails to provide necessary first aid to an injured athlete during a game, this could be seen as nonfeasance.

• Malfeasance involves the performance of a lawful action in an inappropriate or negligent manner. This might occur if a trainer tries to administer a treatment that they are qualified to provide, but they do so in a way that results in harm to the athlete, such as using improper techniques.

• Misfeasance refers to taking action that is legally permitted but doing it incorrectly, leading to harm. For instance, if an athletic trainer performs a rehabilitation exercise incorrectly, it could exacerbate the athlete's injury.

Together, these concepts outline the different ways negligence can manifest in situations where an individual is expected to adhere to a standard of care. Understanding these distinctions is essential for professionals in athletic training and related fields to minimize their liability and ensure the safety of the athletes they support.