What does "negligence" refer to in legal terms?

Negligence in legal terms refers to a failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. This notion emphasizes the importance of behavior and actions in relation to others' safety and wellbeing. When someone does not act in a way that aligns with what society expects from a responsible individual, and this lapse leads to harm or injury, it is classified as negligence. This concept is crucial in tort law, where plaintiffs must often prove that the defendant's failure to act responsibly directly contributed to the damages incurred.

In contrast, intentionally causing harm describes actions taken with the purpose of inflicting injury, which is not what negligence entails. Having bad intent suggests a deliberate aim to cause injury, while negligence does not require any ill intent, merely a careless act or omission. Following all safety protocols indicates adherence to best practices and does not align with the definition of negligence, which is based on the failure to uphold a standard of care, rather than completely fulfilling it.