Negligence

In one sentence

Failure to exercise reasonable care that results in harm to another person.

Plain English

Negligence is a legal concept in civil law (not criminal) that holds people responsible for careless behavior. To prove negligence, you must show four things: the defendant had a duty to be careful, they breached that duty, their breach caused your injury, and you suffered actual damages. Negligence doesn't require intent to harm—it's about failing to act as a reasonably careful person would in similar circumstances. Victims of negligence can sue for compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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Example

A store manager failed to clean up a spill on the floor, and a customer slipped and broke her leg. The customer sued for negligence because the manager had a duty to maintain safe conditions, breached it by ignoring the spill, and the customer was injured as a result.

Used in a sentence

“The jury found the driver negligent for texting while driving and awarded the injured cyclist $50,000 in damages.”

Related terms

Comparative Negligence

A rule that reduces damages based on the victim's own percentage of fault.

Punitive Damages

Extra money awarded to punish wrongful conduct and deter future misconduct.

Restitution Damages

Compensation that returns to you the value of a benefit the other party received from you.

battery

Intentional physical contact with another person without consent.

Defamation

A false statement that damages someone's reputation and causes real harm.

Warranty

A promise that something is true or will work as described.

Dram Shop Liability

Legal responsibility of bars or stores for harm caused by serving alcohol to intoxicated people.

Contributory Negligence

A plaintiff's own carelessness that partially caused their injury, reducing their recovery.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.