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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Most Common Manufacturing Injuries
Manufacturing industry jobs are essential to our economy, as the sector keeps other businesses running. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 12,083,479 people were employed in the private manufacturing sector as of 2020. However, manufacturing factory workers are at a higher risk of workplace injuries due to the potential hazards of the work. Manufacturing jobs often involve operating heavy machinery, frequent heavy lifting, the risk of falling objects, repetitive tasks, and exposure to harmful substances.
Some of the most common workplace injuries include repetitive stress injuries, overexertion injuries, developing musculoskeletal disorders, hearing loss from exposure to loud machinery, burns, slip and fall accidents, and serious injuries from falling objects. Manufacturing facilities must prioritize workplace safety, follow established safety protocol guidelines to protect workers from injury, and provide comprehensive training for employees.
Machinery-Related Injuries
Machinery-related injuries are common in the manufacturing industry. […]
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Aspinwall, PA – Woman in Critical Condition After Being Hit by SUV
Aspinwall, PA (February 5, 2025) – An elderly woman was rushed to the hospital after she was hit by an SUV while crossing the street in Aspinwall, PA on February 5.
According to news reports, Allegheny County police responded to a call around 7 a.m. of a pedestrian accident in Aspinwall. Police say the woman was crossing Delafield Road towards St. Margaet Drive near UPMC St. Margaret’s Hospital when she was struck by an SUV making a left turn from Freeport Road.
The woman was taken to the hospital in critical condition. The driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with the police.
Police are continue to investigate the accident.
Pedestrian Accidents in Allegheny County
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, pedestrian safety is an ongoing concern in Allegheny County. In the past three years, pedestrian fatalities have stayed steady in the county and is second only to Philadelphia in the number of deaths in the Commonwealth. […]
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Defective Products and Consumer Rights
Consumers have the right to expect the products they purchase to be safe and function as advertised. Yet, in 2023, more than 750 million defective products were recalled across the United States. Defective products can cause serious injury to consumers, whether it is a kitchen appliance that overheats and causes burns or a toy that is unsafe due to a choking hazard.
Defects in everyday products raise important questions about product safety, consumer rights, product liability, and what legal protections are in place to hold product manufacturers accountable. If you suffered injuries caused by a defective product, it is important to understand your rights and the steps to take to recover damages.
Understanding Product Liability
Product liability is the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of products for any injuries caused to consumers by their products. Consumer protection laws ensure that the injured party can seek compensation when someone suffers injuries because of a defective product. […]
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Common Distribution Center Worker Injuries
Distribution centers are fast-paced environments with inherent risks that can lead to serious injuries and accidents. From forklifts and complex machinery to hazardous materials and environmental factors, warehouse workers regularly face numerous challenges. Forklift accidents, problems with machines, and the physical stress of lifting heavy things are all risks that need to be taken seriously.
Environmental factors such as slips, trips, and falls and impact injuries from falling objects can also pose significant risks. Mental stress and fatigue can further contribute to workplace accidents. Employers must prioritize safety protocols, regular training, and proper equipment to minimize these risks. Distribution centers face numerous safety risks that require practical solutions to enhance the safety and efficiency of all personnel.
If you’ve been injured while working in a distribution center, experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. […]
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Medical Transport Jet Crashes Into Philadelphia Neighborhood
Philadelphia, PA (January 31, 2025) – A medical jet carrying six people crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood on January 31.
According to news reports, the plane was transporting a child patient, her mother, and four crew members. The plane was heading to Springfield, Missouri.
The plane left the Northeast Philadelphia Airport around 6 p.m. before crashing less than four miles away. It crashed into the ground and sparking a huge fireball.
Several buildings and vehicles were lit on fire, injuring several people on the ground. There were no survivors in the aircraft.
Investigations are underway as to what caused the accident. The accident comes just days after an airplane collided with a Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, DC.
Airplane Crashes in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has seen various aviation incidents throughout its history, with accidents occurring across both general aviation and commercial flights. […]
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