Standard of Care
/ˈstændərd əv kɛər/
Definitions
- (n.) The degree of prudence and caution required of a professional or individual in particular circumstances to avoid negligence.
The doctor's actions fell below the standard of care required in medical malpractice cases.
- (n.) A legal criterion used to determine liability by assessing whether conduct met the accepted norm under similar conditions.
The jury evaluated whether the defendant met the standard of care expected in the industry.
Forms
- standards of care
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The standard of care varies by context and profession and is often defined by statutes, regulations, or case law; pinpointing the applicable standard is critical in negligence claims.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.