Maltreatment
Black's Law Dictionary · Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Black's Law Dictionary
In reference to the treatment of his patient by a surgeon, this term signifies improper or unskillful treatment; it may result either from ignorance, neglect or willfulness; but the word does not necessarily imply that the conduct of the surgeon, in his treatment of the patient, is either willfully or grossly careless.
Com. v. Hackett, 2 Allen (Mass.) 142.