What does negligence refer to in legal terms?

Negligence in legal terms refers specifically to the failure to exercise reasonable care, which is the correct choice. This concept is foundational in tort law, where it serves as a basis for many personal injury claims. When an individual or entity does not act with the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would use in similar circumstances, they may be deemed negligent if their actions lead to harm or injury to another party.

The standard of "reasonable care" is often assessed by considering how an average person would act in the same situation. Factors influencing this standard can include the circumstances surrounding the event, the relationship between the parties, and foreseeable risks.

Understanding negligence is crucial for determining liability, as successful claims typically require proving that the defendant's lack of reasonable care directly caused the plaintiff's injuries. This contrasts significantly with concepts like intentional harm, contract violations, or simply following safety regulations, which are distinct legal issues and do not embody the core elements of negligence.