To prove negligence in a civil claim, which elements must be established?

• A. Duty Owed, Breach of Duty, Causation, and Damages
• B. Duty Owed and Damages Only
• C. Breach of Contract, Damages, and Intent
• D. Proximate Cause and Punitive Damages

Answer: (A)

Negligence in a civil claim requires four elements: a duty owed, a breach of that duty, causation linking the breach to the injury, and damages suffered as a result. Duty owed means the defendant had a legal obligation to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. Breach occurs when that duty isn’t met. Causation shows the breach caused the injury, typically requiring actual causation and, often, proximate cause. Damages are the actual losses the plaintiff incurred, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. This four-part framework is why the option listing all four elements is correct. The other choices miss essential elements or introduce concepts not required to prove negligence, such as contract, intent, punitive damages, or excluding damages.