Negligence In Depth

Definition
Negligence is the failure of an individual or party to adhere to common standards of conduct that results in injury. This includes wrongful conduct that injures others such as the failure to take adequate safety precautions or the failure to render required services to the plaintiff. In negligence, the plaintiff must establish that the defendant failed to take adequate and reasonable precautions which resulted in the injury.

What is the Assumption of a “Reasonable Person?”

In negligence cases, the defendant is judged by the community’s standard of safe conduct. This is not the measure of typical conduct for the community but rather the community’s acceptance of safe practices at large. In this manner, even when damage is unintentional, the defendant is liable is he or she failed to act as a “reasonable person” in the situation that caused injury. This standard takes into account the individuals, knowledge and experience regarding the situation, to determine if the individual possesses the skills to act reasonably in the negligence scenario.

What Are the Other Standards Used to Determine a “Reasonable Person?”

The law may take into account:
Special Skills – How the individual engaging in an activity that requires a specific skill set engages in the activity, compared to an average member of the group with the same skill set. A person engaged in the activity is assumed to have the common skills of all others engaging in the activity. The law does not take into account the experience of the individual with these skills, with no distinguishing between beginners and others at higher levels of experience.Perception – A “reasonable person” must be aware of his or her surrounding and act accordingly to avoid damage and injury. Recklessness or carelessness on the part of the individual constitutes negligence.Emergencies – Negligence occurring under emergency conditions where reasonable conduct would have been otherwise excused. An individual may also be negligent for failing to anticipate an emergency, such as a lack of fire extinguishers in case of a fire.

Who cannot be Found Negligent for Their Actions?

Exception may be made with respect to:
Age – most children under an age that varies by jurisdictions cannot be found negligent for their actions. In these cases, an adult is usually expected to anticipate their actions and behavior. There is the understanding that they lack the mental development to be responsible for their actions. There is an exception for children engaging in adult behavior, such as operating a motor vehicle.

Physical Characteristics – If there are existing limitations such as a handicap that prevent the individual from meeting the common standard of conduct. This makes allowances against holding persons unable to meet these standards that are physically impossible. The individual with the handicap must be aware of his or her physical limitations and act within reason to prevent injuries to others.

How does one prove negligence?

The plaintiff has the burden of proof in negligence cases in that they must prove that the defendant did not act accordingly with the accepted code of conduct. The defendant must prove that if they have violated a statute, that they did so while acting as a “reasonable person” to avoid greater injury. Expert testimony may be used to determine if a person with special skills acted improperly. Additionally, one may prove that the defendant violated a customary practice, such as a safety precaution that would have prevented injury. Lastly, circumstantial evidence may be used to indicate negligence on the part of the defendant.

NEXT: Negligence Tort at a Glance