What is gross negligence?

Gross negligence is a legal term meaning carelessness or recklessness to such a degree that it shows a willful or wanton disregard for the life, safety, or rights of others. In the state of Arizona, gross negligence can be considered in accident law when determining the degree of responsibility for an accident or injury. For instance, if a person is driving recklessly at a high speed or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may be considered to be grossly negligent in the event of an accident. Gross negligence is distinguished from ordinary negligence in that it reflects a greater level of carelessness or recklessness. In order for negligence to be considered gross, the act or omission must represent a greater level of danger or carelessness than what would be expected in the typical scenario. In accident law, when gross negligence is found to be present, the defendant can be held liable for the damages caused by their actions. Such a finding can also result in a substantially higher amount of damages awarded in an injury claim, which may include punitive damages. In addition to civil penalties, gross negligence can also be considered a criminal offense in certain circumstances. In Arizona, such behavior or criminal negligence could result in criminal charges and potentially jail time.

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