Which term describes failure to take reasonable care that results in harm?

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Negligence is the term that signifies a failure to take reasonable care, which results in harm to another person. In legal contexts, negligence occurs when an individual or entity breaches a duty of care that leads to injury or damages. It involves a lack of action that a reasonable person would normally take to prevent harm.

For instance, if a driver fails to stop at a red light (a reasonable expectation of care) and causes an accident, that driver can be deemed negligent. In consequence, the injured party may seek compensation for damages caused by that negligent behavior.

The other terms provided refer to different legal concepts. Delict often pertains to civil wrongs and liabilities in certain legal systems, particularly in Scotland and some other jurisdictions, but it does not precisely capture the aspect of "failure to take reasonable care." Liability is a broader term that refers to the state of being responsible for something, particularly in legal terms, but does not specifically focus on the careless aspect. Intentional tort refers to actions that are deliberately harmful, which contrasts with the unintentional nature of negligence. Therefore, negligence specifically encapsulates the idea of failing to act with reasonable care leading to harm.

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