Negligence can lead to what type of legal action?

Negligence primarily leads to civil lawsuits for damages. In legal terms, negligence occurs when an individual fails to exercise a level of care that a reasonable person would in similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another person. The injured party can seek compensation through a civil lawsuit, where they aim to prove that the negligent actions directly caused their injuries or losses. This type of legal action focuses on making the injured party whole again, typically through financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or property damage.

While it is possible for negligence to result in criminal charges in certain severe cases, such as gross negligence leading to manslaughter, these instances are not the general rule. Therefore, civil lawsuits are the primary legal recourse for negligence claims, distinguishing this legal concept clearly from criminal or administrative penalties.