Define: Standard Of Care

The standard of care is a legal principle that defines the level of care or caution that a reasonable person would exercise in similar circumstances. It serves as a benchmark for evaluating the conduct of individuals or professionals in various contexts, such as medical practice, business operations, or personal interactions. The standard of care is objective and varies depending on the specific circumstances of each case, taking into account factors such as the nature of the activity, the skills and knowledge of the individual involved, and any applicable industry standards or regulations. Breach of the standard of care may lead to liability for negligence if it results in harm or injury to another person. Thus, individuals and professionals are expected to adhere to the appropriate standard of care to fulfil their duty of care and avoid legal consequences.

Standard of care is the degree of care which a prudent, careful and reasonable person would have exercised in a given situation. In a personal injury case if the defendant fails to exercise a standard of care and their actions caused an unreasonable risk of harm and if someone is injured, they can be liable for the damages.

For example, doctors in a medical malpractice case can breach their “duty” or standard of care if they act contrary to how another doctor in a similar situation would have acted and their lack of care results in the injury of a patient. Different people have a different standard of care and may not be held liable in the same situation. For example, young children and the mentally disabled will have a lower standard of care than another person in similar situations.

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.