Torts and Negligence

Question 1

Tort

Answer 1

A civil wrong, other than a breach of contract, that causes harm or injury to another person

Question 2

Negligence

Answer 2

Failure to take proper care in doing something, leading to harm or injury

Question 3

Duty of care

Answer 3

The legal obligation to act with the same degree of care that a reasonable person would exercise in similar circumstances

Question 4

Breach of duty

Answer 4

The failure to meet the duty of care

Question 5

Causation

Answer 5

The connection between the defendant’s actions and the plaintiff’s harm

Question 6

Actual Cause (Cause-in-Fact)

Answer 6

The defendant’s actions directly caused the harm

Question 7

Proximate Cause

Answer 7

The harm caused was a foreseeable result of the defendant’s actions

Question 8

Damages

Answer 8

The monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff for harm or injury suffered

Question 9

Comparative Negligence

Answer 9

A doctrine where damages are reduced based on the plaintiff’s degree of fault

Question 10

Contributory Negligence

Answer 10

A defense where if the plaintiff contributed to their own harm, they may not recover damages

Question 11

Strict Liability

Answer 11

Liability for harm without the need to prove fault or negligence, typically applied to dangerous activities