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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Quakertown Personal Injury Lawyer
Accidents can quickly turn your life upside down. Whether it’s a car crash, a slip and fall, or a workplace injury, they can impact your health, finances, and peace of mind. When accidents happen, they can quickly make your life very difficult. That’s where a Quakertown personal injury lawyer comes in—to help you with the legal process, hold those at fault accountable, and win the fair compensation you’re entitled to.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Quakertown
The practice area of personal injury law covers a wide range of cases in which someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing has harmed accident victims.
Auto Accidents
Automobile accidents can cause harm like whiplash, broken bones, and brain injuries. It can be difficult to figure out who is at fault, so it’s important to speak with an accident lawyer with experience in dealing with these situations. […]
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McKeesport PA Personal Injury Lawyer
Discover the rich history and vibrant community of McKeesport, PA, a place Munley Law has been serving for decades. Nestled in the state of Pennsylvania, McKeesport is home to notable landmarks and roads that carry stories of its residents. As you navigate through McKeesport, you find a community that holds a deep connection to its roots, offering a blend of historical and modern elements that make it a unique place to live.
Understanding Personal Injury Law
Understanding personal injury law is the first step in your recovery after suffering an injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Personal injury encompasses a range of incidents from car crashes to other accidents and medical malpractice. Any kind of personal injury caused by negligence or wrongdoing demands justice and compensation. A McKeesport personal injury lawyer from Munley Law is equipped to guide you through the complex legal landscape. […]
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Sunbury Personal Injury Lawyer
After being involved in an accident, your life can turn upside down. With mounting medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and the emotional distress you’ve been through, you may need some help taking legal action. This is where Munley Law comes in. For more than 60 years, our Sunbury personal injury lawyers have helped injury victims recover compensation for their catastrophic injuries.
If you or a loved one were hurt due to someone else’s negligence and are looking for personal injury lawyers serving Sunbury, call the Northumberland County personal injury law firm of Munley Law to begin case evaluations.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Sunbury
Munley Law will take on the insurance company and liable parties for your personal injury claims. Below are the personal injury practice areas we commonly see.
Car Accidents
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Altoona Personal Injury Lawyers
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Trust us to fight tirelessly on your behalf so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in Altoona
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Pottsville Personal Injury Lawyer
Our Pottsville personal injury lawyers are here to provide the support and legal expertise you need. We specialize in various personal injury cases and are committed to fighting for our clients’ rights in Pottsville and beyond. Let us handle the complexities of your case so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Call or submit our online form today to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose a Pottsville Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law?
There are hundreds of personal injury law firms in Schuylkill County, but they are not all the same. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
- Decades of Experience: With over 60 years of experience, our attorneys have handled thousands of personal injury cases. Our extensive knowledge and proven track record ensure we can effectively advocate for your rights. […]