Which of the following is NOT an element of negligence?

Which of the following is NOT an element of negligence?

• A. Duty
• B. Breach of duty
• C. Damages
• D. Intent

Answer: (D)

Negligence rests on whether someone failed to exercise reasonable care owed to others. The essential pieces you prove are duty, breach of that duty, causation (the breach causing the harm), and actual damages. Intent to harm isn’t required for negligence—you can be liable for careless conduct even without intending to injure. That’s why intent is not an element. For example, a store owner must keep floors safe; a spilled liquid left unattended can be a breach, and if someone slips and sustains damages, the owner may be liable. Duty, breach, and damages are all part of establishing negligence, while intent does not have to be present.

Negligence rests on whether someone failed to exercise reasonable care owed to others. The essential pieces you prove are duty, breach of that duty, causation (the breach causing the harm), and actual damages. Intent to harm isn’t required for negligence—you can be liable for careless conduct even without intending to injure. That’s why intent is not an element. For example, a store owner must keep floors safe; a spilled liquid left unattended can be a breach, and if someone slips and sustains damages, the owner may be liable. Duty, breach, and damages are all part of establishing negligence, while intent does not have to be present.