What is Negligence?
Negligence is the failure to use a reasonable degree of care given the circumstances. The four elements of negligence are a duty owed to a plaintiff, a breach of that duty by the defendant, proximate cause, and injury or damage suffered by the plaintiff. It is essentially carelessness.
According to Black’s Law Dictionary, negligence is defined as “the failure to exercise the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would have exercised in a similar situation.” As such, negligence refers to a failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances. It forms the basis of many personal injury claims and lawsuits, where a plaintiff alleges that their injuries or damages were caused by the negligent actions or omissions of another party.
Key elements of negligence include:
- Duty of care: The legal obligation of an individual or entity to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. This duty may arise from professional relationships, ownership of property, or other circumstances.
- Breach of duty: A failure to fulfill the duty of care by acting or failing to act in a way that deviates from what a reasonably prudent person would do.
- Causation: The link between the defendant’s breach of duty and the plaintiff’s injuries or damages. It must be shown that the defendant’s actions or omissions directly caused harm to the plaintiff.
- Damages: Actual harm or losses suffered by the plaintiff as a result of the defendant’s negligent conduct, which may include physical injuries, emotional distress, property damage, or financial losses.
Legal principles related to negligence aim to compensate injured parties for their losses and encourage individuals and businesses to act responsibly to prevent foreseeable harm. For example, if your landlord doesn’t fix a rickety set of steps you let him to, and you fall through the steps a week later, the landlord is negligent in his duty of care. Understanding the elements of negligence is essential in personal injury cases and other legal disputes where liability is based on the failure to exercise reasonable care under specific circumstance
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What Happens If You’re in an Accident with a Rental Car?
When you’re in an accident with a rental car, the last thing you need is more stress trying to figure out insurance coverage. You likely have multiple layers of protection available. Your auto insurance may cover the incident, the rental company’s optional coverage could kick in, and even the credit card you used to rent the vehicle might provide insurance benefits.
If you’ve been hurt in a rental car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to a car accident attorney at Munley Law who can guide you through this challenging time. They’ll work hard to protect your interests and help you get the compensation you deserve while taking the burden of dealing with multiple insurance claims off your shoulders.
Who Covers a Rental Car Accident?
When you’re involved in a rental car accident, there can be several sources of coverage. First, […]
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What Is an Aggravation of a Preexisting Condition or Injury?
You may be eligible for compensation if you were injured on the job or in an accident resulting from the negligence of another party. You can seek compensation by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.
However, your case may be uniquely complex if you have a preexisting condition. Along with compensation for any new injuries you may have sustained, you may also deserve compensation for the aggravation of a preexisting condition. Proving you deserve this compensation could be challenging, though.
Understanding Aggravation of a Preexisting Condition
What is an aggravation of a preexisting condition or injury? In a legal context, aggravation of a preexisting condition means that the condition was made permanently worse. This differs from exacerbation. When someone sustains an exacerbated injury, their previous injury temporarily worsens. However, said preexisting injury is likely to return to its previous state over time. […]
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What’s the Difference Between Premises Liability and Personal Liability?
If you’ve experienced a loss or injury, it’s important to determine whether the blame falls on an individual’s behavior or a hazardous condition on a property. This is why it’s important to understand the distinction between premises liability and personal liability. Both terms relate to the legal responsibility that may come into play in liability cases when victims seek justice and compensation from an individual or a property owner through a legal claim.
Understanding Premises Liability
For those injured on someone else’s property, understanding premises liability is necessary to explore options for justice. This area of law holds a property owner responsible for maintaining a safe environment for residents, employees, and visitors alike. When a property owner neglects this duty, they may be held liable for any injuries sustained.
Common types of premises liability claims include slip and fall accidents, […]
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Can I Sue My Doctor for Medical Malpractice If I Contracted Sepsis?
If you were provided medical care and that care resulted in contracting sepsis, you may be able to sue your doctor for medical malpractice. However, your ability to file a medical malpractice lawsuit for sepsis depends on the specific details of your case. To have a medical malpractice claim, a healthcare professional must have deviated from the expected standard of care, leading to your illness or injury.
The medical malpractice lawyers at Munley Law can help you understand your legal options if you’ve become ill or injured after medical care.
Elements of a Medical Malpractice Case for Sepsis
Understanding the essential elements of a claim is key to successfully pursuing a lawsuit in medical malpractice cases like sepsis. In any personal injury case, the plaintiff must show four elements to prove that the medical professional or facility was responsible for the sepsis: duty of care, […]
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What Are the 5 Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death?
Learn about the five most common causes of wrongful death, including medical malpractice and accidents, and how to protect your rights.
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