negligence legal definition

The failure to use reasonable care, resulting in harm to another.

The plaintiffÂ’s own negligent acts that bring about a pro rata reduction of the damages owed by the defendant, depending on the degree of the plaintiffÂ’s own negligence; compare contributory negligence.

The negligence of two or more parties contributing to the ultimate harm.

Any degree of negligence on the part of a plaintiff, which results in a total bar to recovery by the plaintiff, even if the defendant was negligent as well.  States are either “comparative” or “contributory” negligence jurisdictions.

Negligence so substantial it is grounds for a criminal prosecution.

Negligent actions committed with a disregard of the consequences.

Extreme negligence, acts committed with utter disregard for the consequences, punishable by punitive damages.

Negligence as to which there is no disputed fact issue and that may therefore be determined by the court without recourse to a jury.