Legal Definitions - Negligent

Definition: Negligent is a word used to describe behavior that does not meet the level of care that a reasonable person would have taken in the same situation. This behavior can include actions or omissions when there is a duty to act. For example, if someone fails to help a victim of their previous actions, they may be considered negligent.

Examples:

• Leaving a lit candle unattended in a room with flammable objects is negligent behavior.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is negligent behavior.
• Not properly securing a ladder before climbing it is negligent behavior.

These examples illustrate how someone's actions or lack of action can be considered negligent if they do not take reasonable care to prevent harm to themselves or others. In each case, the person's behavior falls below the standard of care that a reasonable person would have taken in the same situation.