Which of the following is NOT a step in a malpractice lawsuit?

In the context of a malpractice lawsuit, the essential elements that must typically be proven include breach of duty, causation, and injury or damages. Breach of duty refers to the failure of the healthcare provider to meet the standard of care expected in their profession. Causation establishes a direct link between the breach of duty and the injury sustained by the patient. Injury or damages pertain to the actual harm that occurred as a result of the breach.

Negotiation, while it may occur in some cases, is not a formal step in the legal process of a malpractice lawsuit. It is often a part of the settlement phase before the actual lawsuit or during mediation but does not constitute the foundational legal elements necessary to establish a case. As such, it is not categorized as a required step within the legal framework of malpractice litigation.