Defining Negligence

What is negligence? I sometimes encounter clients who are unsure about the meaning of the term “negligence.” Negligence is the failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would in similar circumstances. It forms the foundation of many personal injury cases.

Negligence involves four key elements:

1. Duty of Care: The defendant owed a duty to the plaintiff.

2. Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty through action or inaction.

3. Causation: The breach caused an injury or damage.

4. Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual harm or loss.

Understanding these components can help you recognize potential negligence. If you believe you’ve been injured by someone’s negligence, contact us for a free consultation.