Negligence

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

More information about Negligence

Bethlehem Premises Liability Lawyer

If you’ve been injured on a property other than your own in the Lehigh Valley, you should contact Bethlehem premises liability lawyers right away. In Pennsylvania, every property owner or manager is expected to keep their property safe and free of hazards for lawful visitors, guests, and invitees.

When a homeowner, property manager, or business owner fails to maintain safe conditions, and a visitor is injured as a result, they may be held legally responsible. Under state law, victims may be entitled to financial compensation for losses caused by the accident.

If you or a loved one were injured on someone else’s property in the Lehigh Valley, you may have a Bethlehem premises liability case. The experienced premises liability lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys are knowledgeable about these cases and have won numerous multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts.

Munley Law can review your situation and explain your legal rights. […]

The Importance of Legal Representation After a Bethlehem Pedestrian Accident

The importance of legal representation after a Bethlehem pedestrian accident cannot be exaggerated, especially when injuries are severe and liability is disputed. Pedestrians often face increasing medical bills, lost income, and long recovery periods after being struck by a negligent driver.

Having an experienced Bethlehem pedestrian accident lawyer on your side helps protect your rights from the very beginning. For nearly 70 years, Munley Law has been standing up to insurance companies and holding negligent drivers accountable. Our legal team handles every step of your claim so you can focus on healing.

If you or a loved one were hit by a vehicle in Bethlehem, PA, Munley Law is ready to fight for you and your rights. Contact us now for a free consultation.

How Often Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Bethlehem, PA?

In 2024, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reported 2,990 pedestrian injuries and 174 fatalities. […]

Bethlehem Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A Bethlehem medical malpractice lawyer can be the difference between being overwhelmed by a powerful healthcare system and securing the justice you deserve. When a doctor, nurse, or hospital makes a preventable mistake, the consequences can be life-altering. Victims deserve answers, accountability, and fair compensation.

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, causing injury, illness, or death. These cases often involve misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or failures to properly treat a condition. Because medical malpractice claims are complex and highly contested, experienced legal guidance is essential.

That’s where Munley Law personal injury attorneys stand apart. With more than 65 years of experience, nationally recognized trial lawyers, and a proven record of multi-million-dollar malpractice recoveries, our Bethlehem medical malpractice lawyers know how to build strong cases and win.

Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation and learn how we can protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation. […]

Bethlehem Dog Bite Lawyer

Having a Bethlehem dog bite lawyer on your side is essential when a dog attack leaves you injured, shaken, and unsure of what to do next. While dogs are often loved companions, a serious bite can cause painful injuries, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma. Additionally, victims are frequently left facing growing medical bills and time away from work.

For nearly 70 years, Munley Law has represented injury victims across Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley, including those harmed in serious dog attacks. Our experienced dog bite attorneys understand Pennsylvania’s liability laws and know how to hold negligent dog owners and insurers accountable. We have a proven record of securing significant settlements and verdicts for our clients.

If you were bitten by a dog in Bethlehem, PA, it’s essential that you understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to protect your claim. Your first actions after a serious dog bite can affect the outcome of your case, […]

Bethlehem Wrongful Death Lawyer

A Bethlehem wrongful death lawyer can help families seek compensation when negligence leads to the death of a loved one. At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our legal team combines more than seven decades of experience with a proven track record of successful verdicts and settlements in the Lehigh Valley. Among our victories are $3.9 million and $2.74 million awards for wrongful death.

Four of our lawyers are board-certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and all our attorneys are members of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Our partners received AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, and the National Trial Lawyers named them among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania. We’re also routinely honored by the American Association for Justice, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and other organizations.

We handle all aspects of wrongful death claims – from investigating the circumstances and determining liability to negotiating with insurance companies and proceeding to trial when necessary. […]

Can You Get a Free Case Evaluation from a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Bethlehem, PA?

Given the trauma of losing a loved one in a work-related incident, it’s vital that you know you can get a free case evaluation with a wrongful death lawyer in Bethlehem, PA. Established in 1959, Munley Law has almost seven decades of experience with handling wrongful death cases. Our award-winning lawyers’ pursuit of justice on behalf of grieving Pennsylvanians has seen them secure significant victories, among which was a $3.9 million award for wrongful death.

The American Association for Justice, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Lawdragon, the National Trial Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, the International Society of Barristers, and Irish Legal 100 are among the organizations and institutions that routinely honor our attorneys.

During your consultation, one of our experienced Bethlehem wrongful death lawyers will listen carefully to your story, ask questions, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case. They will also explain the legal procedures, […]

Bethlehem Distracted Driver Accident Lawyer

A Bethlehem distracted driver accident lawyer can help you hold negligent drivers accountable if you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another party’s inattention behind the wheel. In a busy city like Bethlehem, where I-78 and Route 378 funnel commuters, commercial trucks, and students through the same corridors, distracted driving accidents are an all-too-common and dangerous reality.

Distractions like texting, GPS use, and in-car adjustments may seem minor, but they can lead to horrific crashes with life-changing injuries. Victims are often left facing a mountain of medical bills, lost income, and long recoveries, while insurance companies try to minimize payouts. Understanding how distracted driving claims work in Pennsylvania is critical to protecting your rights and your financial future.

That’s where Munley Law’s Bethlehem car accident lawyers make the difference. With over six decades of experience, a track record of multimillion-dollar verdicts, and the resources to take on aggressive insurers, […]

Bethlehem Hit and Run Accident Lawyers

A Bethlehem hit-and-run accident lawyer can help when you’re injured, and the at-fault driver flees the scene, leaving you with medical bills, vehicle damage, and questions about who will foot the bill for these unexpected expenses. Hit-and-run crashes involving motorists, pedestrians, and parked vehicles are an unfortunate reality in Bethlehem and throughout Lehigh Valley’s busy roadways.

These cases are particularly complex and frustrating because the responsible driver may never be identified. Victims often must rely on uninsured motorist coverage, police investigations, and aggressive insurance negotiations to recover compensation. Without experienced legal guidance, insurers may undervalue or deny valid hit-and-run claims.

Munley Law’s Bethlehem car accident attorneys have nearly 70 years of experience representing injured Pennsylvanians in high-stakes car accident cases. Our legal team works tirelessly to recover the maximum compensation, whether or not the guilty party is found. Our hit and run attorneys have the knowledge, […]

The Legal Challenges of Multi-Vehicle Truck Accidents in Bethlehem

The legal challenges of multi-vehicle truck accidents in Bethlehem, PA, require the skilled guidance of a Bethlehem truck accident lawyer. These incidents cause immediate physical and emotional trauma to victims, and dealing with them requires knowledge of state and federal law and compassion and sensitivity toward those impacted.

Having handled truck accident cases in Lehigh and Northampton counties since 1959, Munley Law is a firm with the skills, knowledge, and experience you need in these situations. Marion and Daniel Munley and Katie Nealon are board-certified in truck accident law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, making ours the only firm in Pennsylvania with three attorneys with this certification. Our firm continues to be recognized by Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms, Super Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers, the American Association for Justice, Irish Legal 100, Martindale-Hubbell, and other organizations. Over almost seven decades, we’ve secured multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients, […]

Bethlehem Workers Compensation and Third Party Claims

If you have been injured at work in Bethlehem, you might be understandably anxious, scared, and confused by the requirements of a workers’ compensation claim, especially if a third party was responsible for your injury. Munley Law’s Bethlehem, PA workers’ compensation lawyers can help you to file a workers’ compensation claim and sue the third party for financial compensation.

With more than 250 years of combined legal experience, our lawyers know Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation laws intimately. We’ve taken on the legal burden for injured workers across Lehigh and Northampton counties, as well as across the state, securing multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. As a result, our attorneys have received numerous accolades from Best Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers, the American Association for Justice, Lawdragon, Martindale-Hubbell, and other prestigious institutions.

Contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.

What is Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania? […]

Bethlehem Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

A Bethlehem drunk driving accident lawyer can help you seek compensation after being involved in an accident caused by an impaired driver in Lehigh or Northampton County. Drunk driving crashes often cause serious injuries and emotional trauma, leaving victims facing medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about their next steps.

Driving under the influence is a reckless and illegal choice that puts everyone on the road at risk. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and scrambles a person’s coordination, making drunk driving accidents especially dangerous. When these crashes occur, Pennsylvania law allows victims to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Our car accident lawyers are well-equipped to assist you in recovering compensation. Munley Law has nearly seven decades of experience representing drunk driving accident victims in Bethlehem and throughout Pennsylvania. Our nationally recognized trial lawyers have the resources to prove intoxication, challenge insurance companies, and fight for maximum compensation—without charging any fees unless we win your case. […]

The Economic and Medical Impact of Truck Accidents on Bethlehem Victims

Accidents involving trucks present a complex web of challenges, encompassing economic and medical elements, which is why you need the expertise of a Bethlehem truck accident lawyer.

Among the key resources for affected individuals and their families is Munley Law, as our lawyers have defended the rights of truck accident victims since 1959. Our legal professionals recognize the enormous financial toll a truck wreck can take on both victims and their families and understand its long-term repercussions could leave victims forever changed, which is why we’re proud to have secured multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts on their behalf. Among these is a $26 million settlement in a truck accident case. Client victories like this are among the reasons our board-certified attorneys are regularly honored by the American Association for Justice, Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms, Super Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers, and other respected legal institutions.

If you or a loved one has experienced the economic and medical impacts of a truck accident, […]

How to Determine Liability in Bethlehem Truck Collision Cases

When accidents involving trucks and other vehicles occur, victims are often left wondering how to determine liability, which is where the help of a Bethlehem truck accident lawyer is invaluable. The aftermath of these accidents is often complex and devastating, but with Munley Law, there’s no need to face this alone. We’re proud to be the only law firm in Pennsylvania with three attorneys who are board-certified in truck accident law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Since 1959, our lawyers have investigated truck accidents, identified those liable, held them responsible for their actions, negotiated settlements with trucking companies and insurers, or faced them in court. By securing outcomes such as a $26 million truck accident settlement and a $20 million commercial vehicle settlement, we’ve helped clients recover more than $1 billion in damages. The Multi-Million-Dollar Advocates Forum/Million Dollar Advocates Forum, American Association for Justice, National Trial Lawyers, […]

The Role of Truck Maintenance and Mechanical Failures in Bethlehem Trucking Accidents

While multiple factors contribute to trucking accidents in the Lehigh Valley, one often overlooked factor is truck maintenance issues or mechanical malfunctions. Understanding the role of maintenance and mechanical failures in Bethlehem trucking accidents and how Munley Law’s experienced truck accident lawyers can assist with these complex matters can help your case.

Munley Law is the only firm in Pennsylvania to boast three attorneys who are board-certified in truck accident law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Two are also certified by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, in which they serve on the Board of Regents. Our lawyers have secured major victories when holding those responsible for truck accidents accountable for their actions, such as a $26 million settlement and a $20 million commercial vehicle settlement. In recognition of their expertise, our attorneys have been honored by Martindale-Hubbell, the Summit Council, […]

Can I still pursue a claim if the hit and run driver is never found?

If you have been injured by a hit and run driver in the Lehigh or Northampton Counties, seeking guidance from an experienced Bethlehem hit and run accident lawyer is vital. A skilled legal expert can fairly assess your case and determine your legal options to secure the compensation you need for your recovery.

Munley Law has nearly 70 years of experience in handling complex car accident cases, including hit-and-runs in which the culpable driver is never found. We have won millions in settlements for our clients, including pedestrian accident verdicts worth $3.5 million, $2.8 million, and $2 million. Our attorneys have been consistently recognized by leading legal directories, including the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Martindale-Hubbell, the American Association for Justice, and Lawdragon. J. Christopher Munley has also been named to the NTLA’s Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers list, and Marion Munley has been honored as Best Lawyers’ Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation. […]

Harrisburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A Harrisburg motorcycle accident lawyer at Munley Law understands the devastating impact a crash can have on you and your family. Motorcycle crashes frequently involve severe injuries and significant disputes over liability and damages. Insurers may undervalue your damages or deny your claim simply because a rider was involved.

Our experienced Harrisburg injury attorneys have seen firsthand how motorcycle accidents can permanently change families’ lives. We know that motorcycle riders face unique challenges on Harrisburg roads, and when accidents occur, the injuries tend to be catastrophic. You shouldn’t have to face these challenges alone. Our legal team will handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident and documenting damages to negotiating with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your recovery.

Contact Munley Law today to discuss how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve. The consultation is free, […]

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

After a slip and fall accident in Bethlehem, PA, one wrong move could negatively impact your health and well-being and jeopardize your quest for fair compensation for your losses. With more than 250 years of combined experience, Munley Law’s Bethlehem slip and fall accident lawyers are here to protect your rights, investigate the incident, and pursue justice on your behalf.

Over almost seven decades, our award-winning attorneys have helped clients recover more than $1 billion in damages by obtaining multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Our partners have Martindale-Hubbell’s highest ratings and have been named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania by the National Trial Lawyers. They’ve also been named to the Irish Legal 100 list.

Experiencing a slip and fall accident can be a jarring and disorienting event. In the aftermath of such an incident, it’s essential to take immediate action. Contact a Bethlehem slip and fall accident lawyer to ensure your well-being and protect your legal rights if you’ve been injured in one of these incidents in Lehigh or Northampton County. […]

Bethlehem Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

If your spinal cord is injured due to someone else’s negligence, you need a Bethlehem spinal cord injury lawyer with a successful track record and the resources to secure maximum compensation. At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we’ve shouldered the legal burden for injured Pennsylvanians since 1959, holding those responsible to account and enabling our clients to recover more than $1 billion in damages.

Ours is the only firm in Pennsylvania with three attorneys board-certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. The board has also board-certified four of our attorneys in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy. Our lawyers are routinely honored for their proficiency in law by respected institutions and organizations, such as the American Association for Justice, Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms, Super Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, […]

Bethlehem Product Liability Lawyer

Munley Law’s Bethlehem product liability lawyer can help you seek fair compensation if you or a loved one has experienced a significant injury because of poor design, faulty construction, or insufficient warning labels. We’ve handled product liability cases in Pennsylvania since 1959, securing multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for almost seven decades.

Numerous respected legal institutions and organizations recognize our attorneys’ prowess. We’ve been honored by Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms, Super Lawyers, Lawdragon, the National Trial Lawyers, the American Association for Justice, and Irish Legal 100, among others. Let us help you seek justice for your injury due to a faulty product.

Commercial companies have the financial means to defend themselves with experienced teams that look to minimize payouts; you need an experienced product liability lawyer who knows what it takes to win and stand up to these large commercial entities. The product liability lawyers in Bethlehem at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys have handled cases against automakers, […]

Bethlehem Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

Be it an iced, slick walkway, a spill in the grocery store, or an uneven sidewalk, when slip and fall accidents occur, you can get a lot more than a bruised knee. When this happens, Munley Law’s Bethlehem slip and fall accident attorneys are here to help. We’ve championed the rights of injured Pennsylvanians since 1959, working tirelessly to ensure they receive justice and are compensated fairly for their losses, pain, and suffering, and we can do the same for you.

Our award-winning lawyers have been honored by the American Association for Justice, Lawdragon, the Multi-Million-Dollar Advocates Forum/Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Best Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell. As a result of our thorough investigations, work with experts, sound knowledge of the law, and building the strongest cases possible, we’ve secured multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients.

If you or a loved one were injured in a slip and fall accident in Bethlehem or the surrounding area, […]

What is Negligence?

More information about Negligence

More information about Negligence

How Often Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Bethlehem, PA?

More information about Negligence

More information about Negligence

More information about Negligence

More information about Negligence

More information about Negligence

More information about Negligence

More information about Negligence

More information about Negligence

What is Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania? […]

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