What is a direct effect of a defendant’s breach of duty in negligence cases?

In negligence cases, a direct effect of a defendant’s breach of duty is the resulting loss or injury to the plaintiff. This principle is fundamental to establishing a negligence claim. When a defendant fails to meet the standard of care expected in a given situation—whether it is through action or inaction—the breach can lead to tangible harm.

For a successful negligence claim, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the breach of duty directly caused their injuries or losses. This causal link is essential; without it, the legal system recognizes no liability. The injuries could be physical, emotional, or financial, but they must be clearly linked to the defendant’s negligent act.

The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of a breach of duty. Lack of responsibility for damages implies that there could be no accountability, which contradicts the very nature of negligence law. Lack of legal duty suggests that the defendant had no obligation to act, which would negate the premise of the case. Lastly, liability based on assumptions is not a reflection of how liability is determined in negligence cases, as it focuses on the actual breach and resulting harm rather than speculative or presumptive liability.