Negligence
Negligence, in law, carelessness that results in injury to a person or damage to property. The degree of care required by law is as much as may be expected of a reasonably prudent person. Negligence is usually a tort, or wrong, rather than a crime; the injured party may bring suit for damages (money payment). However, when negligence results in death or indicates complete disregard for human life, it is a crime and the negligent person is prosecuted under criminal law.
The defendant in a suit for damages may be found innocent if the plaintiff knew of the danger and was willing to assume the risk or if the plaintiff contributed to the danger by being negligent. Also, when a defendant was ignorant of the danger, he or she may not be held responsible. Manufacturers, however, are responsible for any of their products that are defective or injurious, even if they were unaware of the danger at the time the products were sold.