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negligence definition - legal

n

The failure to use reasonable care, resulting in harm to another.
comparative negligence
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.
concurrent negligence
The negligence of two or more parties contributing to the ultimate harm.
contributory negligence
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.
criminal negligence
Negligence so substantial it is grounds for a criminal prosecution.
culpable negligence
Negligent actions committed with a disregard of the consequences.
gross negligence
Extreme negligence, acts committed with utter disregard for the consequences, punishable by punitive damages.
negligence per se
Negligence as to which there is no disputed fact issue and that may therefore be determined by the court without recourse to a jury.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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