A Closer Look At Negligence
Michael Babboni
Personal Injury
In the majority of court cases, in order to know whether someone was liable for injuries or damages caused, you need to understand whether someone's actions or negligence caused it.But what does negligence mean and how do you know what it looks like?
Don't worry, we'll clear it up for you!
What Does Negligence Mean?
Negligence is defined as “conduct that falls below the standards of behavior established by law for the protection of others against unreasonable risk of harm”. In court, this means that you did not directly intend to harm someone, but that you indirectly did so by not adhering to certain well-known safety measures.
Here are a few examples of how negligence may look in a variety of different cases.
Negligence In The Workplace
As a worker, it is partially your duty to ensure your customers, clients, and fellow employees are not harmed by your actions. However, there are some ways your inaction could cause them harm as well. Did you forget to put up a 'Wet Floor' sign after washing the floor? Any accident caused by that is because you didn't do what was required of you.
Your not the only one responsible for safety in the workplace. Your employer, manager, or boss is also liable for the safety of employees and customers alike. If your job requires you to use harmful chemicals or heavy machinery, it is their responsibility to train you in how to use these tools safely. Even if your use of these tools harms someone else, your boss is liable because they neglected to train you.
Negligence While Driving
The top reason for automobile accidents is negligence. A more recent example of negligence is using your phone while driving, this includes calling, texting, and taking pictures while driving. No matter how talented you may be at driving, you can not properly drive if your distracted. Texting and taking pictures are especially dangerous because it forces your eyes away from the road. However, even simply talking on the phone can make it all too easy to not notice what is happening around you, especially if the conversation is causing you to become upset.
However, there are many other ways to be negligent while driving. If your driving with children or pets in the vehicle you could be distracted by their behavior and be unable to focus on your driving. There might not have been a distraction at all. Your negligence may be due to you forgetting to pay attention to those around you or to be careful during bad weather.
Negligence With Pets
Pets are under your care and need you to watch out for their safety. However, you also are responsible for keeping others safe from your pet. If your dog bites someone because you weren't keeping them safely in the house or due to poor care, it is you that is liable for their injuries. If you were found to be neglecting to provide your pet with even the most basic care, such as feeding them, you may be in for a lot more trouble than that.