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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Chester Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When a pedestrian is hit by a car, truck, or other vehicle, the injuries are often catastrophic due to the complete lack of protection. Victims often suffer from traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage that require lifelong care. A Chester pedestrian accident lawyer can make the difference between recovery and financial hardship after being struck by a vehicle in Delaware County.
Munley Law has represented many Chester residents who were injured while walking in their own neighborhoods. Chester’s streets can be dangerous to pedestrians, particularly along busy corridors like Providence Avenue and 9th Street. Out attorneys are familiar with Chester’s infrastructure and Pennsylvania’s pedestrian laws. We thoroughly investigate your personal injury claim and identify all sources of compensation for our clients.
When someone else’s negligence causes your serious injuries, you deserve fair compensation. Munley Law will review your case and discuss your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, […]
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Chester Truck Accident Lawyer
Heavy commercial trucks pose unique dangers on Chester’s roads, and collisions often result in devastating injuries for occupants of smaller vehicles. Munley Law has spent decades representing accident victims throughout Pennsylvania, successfully recovering millions in damages from negligent trucking companies and their insurers.
At Munley Law, our Chester truck accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a truck crash can take on victims and their families. Medical bills pile up while you’re unable to work, insurance companies pressure you to accept inadequate settlements, and the path forward seems unclear. Fortunately, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your truck accident case. Our Chester personal injury lawyers will evaluate your claim, explain your legal options, and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable. There are no upfront costs – we only get paid if we win compensation for you. […]
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Doylestown Personal Injury Lawyer
When you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, missed work, and the physical pain of recovery, you need experienced legal guidance to protect your interests. A Doylestown personal injury lawyer from Munley Law can help you get back on your feet after a serious accident changes your life. Our attorneys understand the challenges that injury victims face in Bucks County — from complex insurance claims to securing proper medical care. We work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the full compensation you need to move forward.
Whether you were hurt in a car crash, workplace accident, or due to someone else’s carelessness, our team has the skills and resources to handle your case effectively. Don’t wait to get the legal help you deserve. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation with our Doylestown personal injury attorneys.
Your Rights After a Personal Injury in Doylestown
After an injury in Doylestown, […]
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Chester Car Accident Lawyer
After a serious car accident, a ton of questions go through your mind: How will I pay for these unexpected medical expenses? What if my injuries keep me from going back to work? Who will hold the person who caused the accident accountable? Where do I go from here?
If any of those questions sound familiar, you are in the right place. In this article, we are going to break down all the details about a Chester, PA car accident claim, from the types of accidents we see most often to how the experienced Chester car accident attorneys at Munley Law build a winning legal case that will secure a settlement or verdict in your favor.
Chester’s strategic location and transportation infrastructure create unique traffic challenges for local residents and visitors alike. The city serves as a transportation hub with many residents commuting to and from Philadelphia, […]
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Schuylkill County, PA – Truck Driver Hit After Leaving Truck on I-81
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PA (March 12, 2025) – A truck driver who had gotten out of his vehicle on Interstate 81 was hit by another vehicle in Schuylkill County on Monday.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the man was driving a 1994 Freightliner south when he was rear-ended near the Mahanoy Township exit of I-81 around 6 a.m. on March 10.
The truck driver had gotten out of his vehicle and was standing in the middle of the southbound lanes when he was hit by another vehicle.
Both the truck driver and the driver of the vehicle that hit him were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Police are investigating the accident.
Staying Safe At An Accident Scene in Schuylkill County
Many secondary accidents occur when drivers exit their vehicles on busy roadways, particularly in Schuylkill County, […]
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