Legal Definitions - wanton negligence

Wanton negligence is a type of negligence that involves a reckless disregard for the safety of others. It is similar to gross negligence, which is a lack of slight diligence or care. Wanton negligence is a conscious, voluntary act or omission in reckless disregard of a legal duty and of the consequences to another party, who may typically recover exemplary damages.

• A driver who is texting while driving and causes an accident that injures someone is guilty of wanton negligence.
• A company that knowingly uses faulty equipment that puts its employees at risk of injury is guilty of wanton negligence.

These examples illustrate wanton negligence because the individuals or companies involved were aware of the risks they were taking and chose to disregard them, putting others in danger.