The Reasonable Person Standard: How Does it Work?

Whether you’ve heard of it in a court case or a TV drama, the reasonable person standard is a benchmark in law. It plays a crucial role in determining liability and negligence in various legal scenarios, but what exactly does it mean? Below, the experienced legal professionals at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo explain the intricacies of the reasonable person standard, exploring how it works and its crucial role in personal injury cases.

What is the Reasonable Person Standard?

The reasonable person standard is a legal concept that serves as a yardstick for gauging the conduct of individuals in different situations. Essentially, it asks What a reasonable person would do under similar circumstances. This benchmark helps to establish a baseline for assessing whether a person’s actions were reasonable or negligent.

What Kinds of Cases Does the Reasonable Personal Standard Apply In?

The reasonable person standard applies across various cases, particularly in areas where determining negligence is critical to the case outcome. Here are some common scenarios where the reasonable person standard plays a significant role:

• Car Accidents
• Slip and Fall Incidents
• Medical Malpractice
• Product Liability
• Premises Liability
• Professional Malpractice
• Wrongful Termination
• Negligence and Duty of Care

The reasonable person standard is fundamental in tort law because it helps to provide a consistent and objective measure across many legal scenarios.

How Does the Reasonable Person Standard Work in Personal Injury Law?

In personal injury cases, establishing negligence is key to securing a verdict or settlement in one’s favor. The reasonable person standard comes into play when determining whether a person had a duty of care and if their actions met the expected standard of care. If someone’s behavior differs from what a “reasonable” person would do, they may be deemed negligent.

One critical element of the reasonable person standard is that it evaluates conduct from an impartial standpoint. This means that personal attributes do not influence the assessment but instead consider what a hypothetical “reasonable” person would do. 

For example, in a case involving a car accident after a driver ran a red light, a jury may decide in favor of the other driver because a “reasonable” person would not drive through a red light. Similarly, a neighbor who causes a neighbor’s property to burn down after setting hay down next to a neighbor’s open fire may be found liable because a “reasonable” person should know that hay is flammable.

Does This Mean the Reasonable Person Standard is the Same for Everyone?

The reasonable person standard is not a rigid set of rules but rather a dynamic concept that adapts to the circumstances of every case. It considers factors such as the environment, the nature of the activity, and the knowledge available to the parties involved. This flexibility allows for a fair evaluation, but it also means that some professionals may be held to higher standards than others based on established professional norms. 

Professionals, such as doctors or engineers, may be held to a higher standard based on their training and expertise. Failure to meet these professional standards can be a key factor in personal injury claims.

The reasonable person standard acts as a guiding principle in the legal profession, and it isn’t always clear what may be determined to be reasonable by a judge or jury. An experienced personal injury attorney understands the nuances of this standard as well as the complexities of personal injury lawsuits. If you or a loved one has been injured in a personal injury case, contact the trusted professionals at SPBMCC today. 

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer at SPBMCC Today

Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. is a reputable, full-service personal injury law firm specializing in various areas, including legal standards. Our dedicated litigation support teams are committed to vigorously representing clients in 9/11-related illnesses, personal injury cases, car accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, and firefighter law across New York City, Long Island, Nassau, Suffolk counties, and New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more about our firm or schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.