Negligence

The law of negligence requires that persons conduct themselves in a manner that conforms with certain standards of conduct. Where a person's actions violate those standards, Tennessee negligence law requires the person to compensate someone who is injured as a result. In some instances, the law of negligence also covers a person's omission to act.

In tort law, negligence is a distinct cause of action. The Restatement (Second) of Torts defines negligence as "conduct that falls below the standard established by law for the protection of others against unreasonable risk of harm." Negligence generally consists of five elements, including the following:

a duty of care owed by the defendant to the plaintiff
a breach of that duty
an actual causal connection between the defendant's conduct and the resulting harm
proximate cause, which relates to whether the harm was foreseeable
damages resulting from the defendant's conduct.

In some instances, a statute or other law may define specific duties, such as the duty of a person to report child abuse. Professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, are also required to uphold a standard of care expected in their profession. When a professional fails to uphold such a standard of care, the professional may be liable for malpractice, which is based on the law of negligence.

If you or someone you love has been injured as the result of another's negligence in Memphis/Shelby Co, Tipton Co or Fayette Co, TN, contact attorney Susan Mackenzie for a consultation.