What are the key elements of a negligence claim?

A negligence claim is a legal claim against someone who has caused harm due to their negligence. In South Carolina, there are several key elements that must be established in order for a negligence claim to be successful. 1. Duty of Care: The court must determine if the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. A duty of care is an obligation to act with reasonableness and avoid foreseeable harm or injury to another person. 2. Breach of Duty: After establishing the duty of care, the court must determine whether the defendant breached that duty. This means that the defendant did not act reasonably and caused harm to the plaintiff. 3. Causation: The court must determine if the defendant’s breach of duty was the cause of the plaintiff’s injury or harm. 4. Damages: The court must determine if the plaintiff suffered due to the defendant’s breach of duty. Damages can include physical, economic, and emotional harm. If all the elements of a negligence claim are established, then the value of the claim may be determined. It is important to note that the burden of proof is placed on the plaintiff to prove that each element has been met. Therefore, an experienced personal injury lawyer can be very helpful in navigating this complex legal process.

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