In California personal injury claims, determining whether the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff is a fundamental element. The general rule is that individuals owe a duty to act as a reasonably prudent person to avoid causing harm to others. This duty is based on foreseeability—whether a reasonable person in the defendant’s position could anticipate that their actions (or failure to act) would likely cause injury to the plaintiff or others. For example, drivers owe a duty to other road users to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws.
In addition to the general duty of care, California law recognizes specific relationships that impose heightened duties, such as those between doctors and patients, employers and employees, or property owners and visitors. The existence of these special relationships can shape the scope of the duty owed. Courts also consider public policy when determining whether a duty exists, weighing whether imposing such a duty would be reasonable and beneficial. Ultimately, the court assesses all relevant factors, including foreseeability and the nature of the relationship, to determine whether the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff.
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