Which of the following elements is required to prove a client's legal liability?

To establish a client's legal liability, the essential element required is the duty owed. This refers to the obligation that one party has to another under the law to act (or refrain from acting) in a certain manner. In legal terms, a duty is often established through statutes, regulations, or general standards of conduct within society.

For example, in a personal injury case, the claimant must prove that the defendant had a legal duty to exercise reasonable care towards the plaintiff, and a breach of that duty resulted in damages. Without establishing that a duty was owed, there can be no legal liability, irrespective of any damage or injury that may have occurred.

Other options lack the necessary elements for establishing liability: public opinion does not have a bearing on legal determinations, insurance policy limits may define the extent of coverage rather than liability, and personal opinions of those affected do not carry legal weight in proving liability. Recognizing that duty owed is foundational in nearly all liability cases is crucial for the understanding of legal principles in the context of general insurance.