What legal principle allows individuals to claim compensation for damages due to another's negligence?

Tort law is the legal principle that allows individuals to claim compensation for damages resulting from another individual's negligence. It encompasses a wide range of wrongful acts that cause harm or loss to another person, providing a framework for the injured party to seek remedies and hold the responsible party accountable. Within tort law, negligence is a specific category that deals with situations where a party fails to exercise reasonable care, leading to injury or damage.

The concept of negligence law falls under the umbrella of tort law, making it important to understand that while negligence is a component of torts, it is tort law that addresses the broader legal context for claiming damages. Similarly, proximate cause refers to a direct link between the negligent act and the resulting damages, focusing on whether the damages were a foreseeable result of the negligence. Causation refers more generally to the relationship between the defendant's actions and the plaintiff's injuries, but it is tort law that ultimately provides the pathway for legal claims and compensation through lawsuits.