What is Negligence in the Legal System?

Negligence is a legal concept that occurs when an individual fails to exercise reasonable care toward others, causing them harm. When this happens, attorneys in Mississippi will assist victims to understand and navigate their legal rights in the state's negligence laws.

Maintaining a Reasonable Standard of Care

The standard of care required under Mississippi negligence law dictates that people act with reasonable prudence to avoid harming others. If a person does not meet this standard and injury occurs to another person or persons, then they may be found liable for negligence and held responsible for damages caused by their lack of responsibility to take corrective action to eliminate the hazard.

Comparative Fault Doctrine

Mississippi negligence laws are based on the concept of reasonable prudence. This means that individuals must act in a manner that is reasonably prudent to avoid harming others. When this standard is lacking and someone is injured, the person responsible for the injuries may be found liable for negligence. A Mississippi personal injury lawyer can explain how the comparative fault doctrine applies in the state's tort law, meaning that even if an individual injured was partially at fault for their own injuries, the other party still can be held responsible for some percentage of the damages. This system allows plaintiffs to recover damages even if they were partially responsible for causing their own injuries or losses.

Statute of Limitations

In Mississippi, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the date of the incident that resulted in causing harm. This statute of limitations is generally understood to begin when an individual discovers or should have reasonably discovered their injury or loss and what or who caused it to happen.