What does "negligence" refer to in the context of liability claims?

In the context of liability claims, "negligence" refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care, which can lead to harm or injury to another person. This legal concept is fundamental in determining liability, as an individual or entity is deemed negligent if their actions fall short of what a reasonable person would have done in similar circumstances. This standard of care is crucial in many legal situations, including personal injury claims, where the injured party must prove that the other party's lack of due diligence directly caused their injuries.

The focus is on the lack of action or inappropriate action that a reasonable person would have avoided to prevent harm. Negligence does not pertain to intentional wrongdoings, nor does it involve procedural issues like documentation errors or policy cancellations. Instead, it emphasizes a breach of duty of care that resulted in damage, making it a cornerstone of liability in many legal frameworks.