What is required to prove a claim of negligence in civil procedure?

To establish a claim of negligence, it is essential to demonstrate that a duty of care exists. Negligence is grounded in the principle that individuals owe a legal duty to others to act in a reasonable manner to avoid causing harm. When a duty of care is established, it forms the foundational element of a negligence claim, indicating that the accused had an obligation to avoid actions that could foreseeably harm another person.

Once the duty of care is identified, the plaintiff must also show that the duty was breached, that the breach directly caused their damages, and that actual damages occurred. The other options presented do not encompass the fundamental requirement necessary to prove negligence. Intent to cause harm is relevant in intentional torts rather than negligence. Proof of economic loss can be involved but is not a standalone requirement, as emotional or physical harm can also be the basis for a claim. A criminal conviction may serve to establish certain aspects of liability in some cases, but it is not a prerequisite for demonstrating negligence in civil proceedings.