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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Philadelphia, PA – Truck Crash Causes Traffic on I-76
PHILADELPHIA, PA (March 11, 2025) —— A three-car crash on I-76 Westbound caused major traffic delays in Philadelphia.
A tractor trailer, a Mazda and a Chevrolet Cruise collided. Officials shared that the crash was likely caused by one of the drivers having a medical emergency.
The lane was blocked by the tractor trailer, contributing to the backup. Traffic has now cleared.
Officials continue to investigate.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents With Trucks in the Philadelphia Area
Truck accidents involving multiple vehicles have become an increasing concern for Philadelphia residents and commuters alike. These complex collisions, often occurring on major arteries like I-95, I-76, and the Schuylkill Expressway, can lead to catastrophic consequences, including severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage. Unlike in simple two-car collisions, determining fault in multi-vehicle accidents with a truck often involves difficult investigations. […]
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Cranberry Township Product Liability Lawyer
When manufacturers put profits ahead of safety in Butler County, they must be held accountable for the personal injuries they cause. If you’ve been harmed by a defective product, Munley Law’s Cranberry Township product liability attorneys can help you seek compensation. Our lawyers have fought for injured clients throughout Butler County for 65 years.
Unsafe products lead to mounting medical bills, lost income, and ongoing pain. We have secured millions in compensation for victims harmed by dangerous products, including defective car parts and unsafe medical devices.
Munley Law gives you direct access to experienced Cranberry Township personal injury attorneys who will investigate your case, gather evidence, and pursue maximum compensation. We don’t collect any fees until we’ve won your case. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Common Product Liability Cases in Cranberry Township
Faulty products can be found in Cranberry Township homes, […]
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Cranberry Township Wrongful Death Lawyer
Money cannot replace a loved one who dies because of someone else’s negligence. Munley Law recognizes that a personal injury case can help bring closure and a sense of justice for surviving family members. Our Cranberry Township wrongful death lawyers help you seek compensation to cover unexpected medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and lost wages.
Munley Law has helped Pennsylvania families recover millions in wrongful death settlements and verdicts. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling cases involving car accidents, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, and commercial truck crashes throughout Butler County.
Our Cranberry Township personal injury lawyers will support you throughout this difficult time. Call Munley Law or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Wrongful Death in Cranberry Township, PA
Wrongful death occurs when someone dies because of someone else’s negligence, […]
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Cranberry Township Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hit by a car or truck in Cranberry Township, our experienced Cranberry Township pedestrian accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. Walking in our busy suburban community comes with risks – from distracted drivers to heavy traffic near the shopping centers on Route 19. When drivers fail to yield or watch for pedestrians, the injuries can be severe and life-changing.
Our legal team at Munley Law understands Pennsylvania’s insurance laws and how they affect your pedestrian accident claim. Over the past 65 years, we’ve helped injured Pennsylvania’s recover millions in compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We handle all communication with insurance companies, gather evidence to build your case, and fight for maximum compensation while you focus on recovery.
Don’t wait to get help after a pedestrian accident. Call the Cranberry Township personal injury lawyers at Munley Law today for a free consultation with our Cranberry Township pedestrian accident lawyers. […]
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Cranberry Township Medical Malpractice Lawyer
When you need a medical malpractice lawyer in Cranberry Township, the first step is determining whether medical negligence harmed you or a loved one. At Munley Law, we understand that victims of medical errors face physical, emotional, and financial challenges while tackling the healthcare and legal systems.
Our medical malpractice team has secured millions in compensation for Pennsylvania patients harmed by medical negligence. We work directly with medical experts to thoroughly investigate claims involving surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication mistakes, and birth injuries.
Pennsylvania law provides specific timelines for filing medical malpractice claims. The sooner you contact our experienced attorneys, the better we can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact a Cranberry Township personal injury lawyer at Munley Law today for a free consultation about your potential medical malpractice case. […]
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