What does negligence mean in a legal context?

Negligence in a legal context is defined as the failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to unintended harm to another person. This concept revolves around the idea that individuals or entities have a duty to act with a certain level of caution and foresight. When this standard of care is not met, and as a result, someone is harmed, the party who failed in their duty may be held liable for the damages.

The correct understanding emphasizes that negligence is not about intentional harm, but rather about actions or omissions that fall short of what a reasonably prudent person would do in similar circumstances, ultimately resulting in injury or damage. This is foundational in legal settings, especially in personal injury cases, where plaintiffs must demonstrate that the defendant’s lack of reasonable care directly caused their injuries.