Which of the following represents the elements of negligence?

The elements of negligence are crucial for establishing liability in tort law, and the correct choice clearly identifies these foundational components. The elements are:

1. Duty: This refers to the legal obligation of an individual to act with a certain standard of care toward others. It emerges from the relationship between the parties and is essential for determining whether a defendant has any responsibility to the plaintiff.

2. Breach: A breach occurs when a party fails to meet the standard of care that their duty imposes. This means that the defendant did not act in the way that a reasonable person would have under similar circumstances.

3. Causation: This element connects the breach of duty to the harm suffered by the plaintiff. It must be shown that the breach is a direct cause of the plaintiff's injury.

4. Damages: To succeed in a negligence claim, the plaintiff must demonstrate that they suffered actual damages or harm as a result of the breach. This can include physical injuries, property damage, emotional distress, etc.

This understanding is critical as negligence requires not just a failure to act or a careless action but also that this failure directly resulted in damages incurred by another party. The presence of damages is what makes a plaintiff's