First Principles of Business Law

Liability in tort for wrongful conduct

12. Negligence

12 (a)  Recognising different types of conduct and harm

 

 

The tort of Negligence potentially covers many types of conduct. Different rules are applied to different types of conduct in order to limit the extent of potential liability. A distinction is also drawn between different kinds of harm. Some types of harm have natural limits on the extent to which they are likely to occur: other types of harm are virtually unlimited in extent. It is easier for the law to recognise liability for harm that has natural limits than for harm that is virtually unlimited.

By learning how different combinations of conduct and harm  may occur, you will learn to recognise the types of situation that potentially fall within the tort of Negligence. Click on each of the different types of conduct and harm listed below to see an example.

Acts of a positive kind that cause bodily injury to a person or physical harm to property.

A failure to act (an omission) that causes bodily injury to a person or physical harm to property.

Acts or omissions that cause purely economic harm.

Giving (or failing to give) information or advice causing either physical or purely economic harm.

Professional services causing economic harm.

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