What characterizes a negligent tort?

A negligent tort is primarily characterized by a negligent act that leads to unintentional injury to another party. This means that the action was not purposeful; rather, it resulted from a failure to exercise a reasonable standard of care that a prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances. For example, if a driver fails to stop at a red light and causes an accident, that driver may be found liable for negligence because their lack of attentiveness resulted in harm to another individual. This concept highlights the fundamental principle in tort law that focuses on harm done through carelessness rather than intentional wrongdoing.

The other options do not accurately describe a negligent tort. Deliberate actions that cause harm describe intentional torts, while a failure to fulfill a contractual obligation pertains more to breach of contract rather than tort law. Actions that negatively impact public safety could involve negligence but are too broad and do not specifically address the individual causation aspect that defines negligent torts.