Which statement correctly describes the Tort of Negligence?

Which statement correctly describes the Tort of Negligence?

• A. A legal wrong that is suffered by someone at the hands of another who fails to take proper care to avoid what a reasonable person would regard as a foreseeable risk
• B. A civil wrong
• C. A contract dispute
• D. A criminal act

Answer: (A)

Negligence hinges on a duty of care and failing to meet the standard a reasonable person would meet to prevent foreseeable harm. The best description says it’s a legal wrong suffered by someone when another person does not take proper care to avoid a risk that a reasonable person would see as foreseeable. That captures the essential elements: there is a duty to take care, there is a breach of that duty by not acting to avert a reasonable and foreseeable risk, and that breach causes harm with damages. In a fire-safety context, this means an employer or person in control must take reasonable steps to prevent fire and protect others; if they overlook a foreseeable hazard and someone is harmed as a result, negligence can be claimed. The other options are broader or mischaracterize the concept: being a civil wrong is true but too general, a contract dispute relates to agreements, and a criminal act involves state punishment rather than civil liability for harm caused by carelessness.

Negligence hinges on a duty of care and failing to meet the standard a reasonable person would meet to prevent foreseeable harm. The best description says it’s a legal wrong suffered by someone when another person does not take proper care to avoid a risk that a reasonable person would see as foreseeable. That captures the essential elements: there is a duty to take care, there is a breach of that duty by not acting to avert a reasonable and foreseeable risk, and that breach causes harm with damages. In a fire-safety context, this means an employer or person in control must take reasonable steps to prevent fire and protect others; if they overlook a foreseeable hazard and someone is harmed as a result, negligence can be claimed. The other options are broader or mischaracterize the concept: being a civil wrong is true but too general, a contract dispute relates to agreements, and a criminal act involves state punishment rather than civil liability for harm caused by carelessness.