What does negligence mean in the context of liability?

Negligence, in the context of liability, refers specifically to the failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances, leading to harm or damage. This concept is foundational in tort law, where the focus is often on the actions (or lack thereof) of an individual that result in injury to another.

By understanding negligence as the lack of reasonable care, it becomes clear that it does not involve intention to cause harm—as is the case with intentional acts, nor does it pertain to fulfilling insurance conditions. In instances of negligence, an individual may not have intended to cause harm; rather, it is their failure to act with the level of caution expected that leads to the unfortunate outcome. This definition is crucial in determining liability, as it assesses the individual's behavior against what is considered standard and reasonable in that context.