Negligence Flashcards
What is Negligence?
A duty to conform to a standard of conduct that is breached by the defendant and the breach is the actual and proximate cause of plaintiff’s damages.
What is the general rule as it pertains to a Duty to Act?
The general rule is that there is no duty to act
What are the two “contractual” exceptions to the general “no duty to act” rule?
1) Nonfeasance (the failure to act where action is required), and 2) Misfeasance (willful inappropriate action)
Under nonfeasance, there is no liability beyond:
Those in privity (contact or mutual interest between parties)
Under misfeasance, there is liability for:
Lack of due care
Under exceptions to the general “no duty to act” rule, what is “Assumption of the Duty to Act by Acting”?
One who gratuitously acts for another is under a duty to 1) act like an ordinary prudent person, and 2) continue the assistance
Under “Assumption of the Duty to Act by Acting”, if one assumes any duty it could be that others (who might have aided) didn’t go because:
Of the person assuming the duty
Under exceptions to the general “no duty to act’ rule, what is the “Good Samaritan” statute?
A statute that exempts healthcare professionals who (voluntarily) help another in an emergency from liability for (ordinary) negligence.
Does the “Good Samaritan Statute” impose an affirmative duty to act?
No
Under exceptions to the general “no duty to act” rule, what is “Creation of Peril”?
One who negligently places another in a position of peril is under a duty to use reasonable care to assist.
What are the three categories of Special Relationships that create a Specific Duty to Act?
1) Parent/child and spouse 2) Common Carrier/innkeeper 3) School/student
Under Special Relationships - Parent/Child and Spouse, a duty to protect against injury arises when what two conditions are present?
1) Knowledge of the need to act, and 2) reasonable likelihood of success
What duty does a Common Carrier/Innkeeper owe to guests and passengers?
To use reasonable care to protect them
What duty do schools owe to students?
To protect students within the boundaries of the school
Are only foreseeable plaintiff’s owed a duty of care?
Yes
Are plaintiff’s (generally) clearly foreseeable?
Yes
When do third parties becomes plaintiff’s?
When they have been injured by a breach of duty to another party
Must third parties (to be foreseeable plaintiff’s) be in the Zone of Danger when injured?
Yes
Note: Cardozo’s Zone of Danger only applies to third parties.
Are rescuers always foreseeable plaintiff’s? Why?
Yes. “Danger invites rescue”
Do rescuers ever “assume the risk”?
No
What are the two Standards of Care? What is the General Standard of Care?
General and Specific. General standard is that of a reasonable prudent person.
Under the General Standard of Care, are physical characteristics taken into account?
Yes
Under the General Standard of Care, are mental characteristics taken into account?
No
Under Specific Standards of Care, may Custom and Usage be used to establish a standard of care?
Yes