Define "negligence" in legal terms.

Negligence in legal terms is defined as the failure to exercise reasonable care that results in damage or injury to another party. This definition encompasses a critical element of tort law, which holds individuals responsible for the consequences of their failure to act with the appropriate level of caution when it comes to the safety and well-being of others. In assessing negligence, courts often look at the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would have exercised in similar circumstances. If it is determined that an individual did not meet this standard, and as a result, someone else was harmed or incurred damages, negligence can be established. This concept is foundational in personal injury claims and other legal contexts, as it addresses the responsibilities individuals owe to one another in everyday interactions.