Question

Explain what is meant by the expression ‘standard of care’ in negligence.

Answer 1

standard of care is defined as watchfulness, attention, caution and prudence that a reasonable person in the circumstances would exercise.

If a person's actions do not meet this standard of care, then his/her acts fail to meet the duty of care which all people have toward others.

Failure to meet the standard is negligence, and any damages resulting therefrom may be claimed in a lawsuit by the injured party. The problem is that the "standard" is often a subjective issue upon which reasonable people can differ.