What is the term for professional care that results in injury or neglect?

The correct answer is malpractice. This term specifically refers to the professional negligence or improper treatment by a healthcare provider that leads to injury or harm to a patient. Malpractice occurs when the actions of a professional fall below the standard of care expected in their field, which can result in significant physical, emotional, or financial damages to the affected individual.

In the context of healthcare, for instance, a doctor who fails to diagnose a treatable condition due to negligence or a nurse who administers the wrong medication may be held liable for malpractice. This encompasses instances of carelessness, failure to provide adequate care, or failure to meet established protocols that could reasonably be expected in professional practice.

The other terms mentioned have distinct meanings: assault refers to the threat of physical harm, tort is a broad category of civil wrongs that cause harm or loss, and fraud involves deceitful practices intended to secure unfair or unlawful gain. While some of these terms may overlap with issues of professional responsibility, only malpractice specifically addresses the context of professional care leading to harm or neglect.