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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Altoona Personal Injury Lawyers
When you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it can be an overwhelming experience. Faced with recovery, missed work, lost paychecks, and mounting medical expenses, an injury can have long-term, even lifelong aftereffects. 
At Munley Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that personal injuries can take. Our dedicated Altoona personal injury attorneys, are here to help guide you through this difficult time. With over 60 years of experience, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Trust us to fight tirelessly on your behalf so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in Altoona
At Munley Law, our experienced Altoona personal injury attorneys are devoted to securing the justice and compensation you deserve. […]
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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. […]
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Upper Darby Personal Injury Lawyer
Your Upper Darby Personal Injury Lawyers at Munley Law
In the bustling community of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. When they do, the aftermath can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. It’s in these moments that the expertise of a dedicated and experienced Upper Darby personal injury lawyer becomes invaluable.
At Munley Law, we’ve championed the rights of accident victims throughout Pennsylvania for over 60 years. Our award-winning team specializes in cases specifically related to personal injuries, ensuring that victims receive the justice they deserve.
Our legacy at Munley Law is built on trust, competence, and results. We’ve been consistently recognized among the Best Lawyers in America, selected to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and are board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our track record boasts numerous multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, […]
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Norristown Personal Injury Lawyer
At Munley Law, our Norristown personal injury lawyers have been helping injured people throughout Pennsylvania for over 60 years. Our knowledge, skills, reputation, and vast resources make us one of the nation’s top personal injury law firms. If you have suffered harm because of someone else’s negligence, let us help you secure justice. The process begins with a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys. Call or chat live with us today to schedule a free consultation.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Norristown, PA
To maximize your claim’s chances of success, you’ll want to find a lawyer with experience handling cases like yours. Choosing a law firm that specializes in personal injury and has experience with your particular case type is important. These are some types of personal injury cases we have experience with at Munley Law.
Norristown Truck Accidents
Of all the many types of personal injury cases, […]
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Pittston Personal Injury Lawyer
Injured in an Accident in Pittston? Call Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Today.
If you or a loved one were the victim of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Pittston PA or the Wyoming Valley area, you are likely worried about taking the proper steps to preserve your rights. You may be questioning if the insurance company’s offer will be enough to cover your losses, whether or not you’ll lose your job, or how you’ll keep up with all of these medical bills in the meantime.
These questions are common and can leave many personal injury victims worried about their long-term recovery. This is why we urge you to contact a Pittston personal injury lawyer from Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys as soon as possible to learn what options are available.
For more than 60 years, Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys has been helping accident and injury victims throughout Pennsylvania and in Pittston with their personal injury claims. […]
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