Legal Definitions - actionable negligence

Actionable negligence is a legal term that refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care in a situation where a reasonable person would have done so. It is conduct that falls below the legal standard established to protect others against unreasonable risk of harm, except for conduct that is intentionally, wantonly, or willfully disregardful of others' rights. This term denotes culpable carelessness.

For example, if a doctor fails to diagnose a patient's illness correctly, and the patient suffers harm as a result, the doctor may be liable for actionable negligence. Another example is if a driver runs a red light and causes an accident, they may be liable for actionable negligence.