Negligence, by definition, is the failure to exercise due care (that is, reasonable care) resulting in damage or injury to another. Negligence is a form of careless behavior, and when it’s present, it can leave someone vulnerable to being held legally responsible for the damage they caused.
The modern world presents new risks and opportunities for negligence. For instance, in the past, a business owner might be negligent if their employees were injured due to lack of safety precautions in the workplace. In the 21st century, the same business owner may be liable for cyberattacks or data breaches resulting from insufficient cybersecurity measures.
The implications of negligence in the 21st century are not limited to cyberspace. Nearly every industry has encountered a new wave of potential points of negligence. In traditional manufacturing, employers must be mindful of everyone’s safety when they use modern tools, such as robotics and automation. The same is true in the service industry, where employers and employees must be aware of data privacy and security regulations when they handle customer data.
Handling negligence correctly is more important today than ever. Business owners need to make sure their processes are up-to-date with modern regulations. This includes ensuring that their employees are adequately trained to handle potential negligence risks. It also means keeping proper records of the processes that are in place to handle such risks.
Negligence is an inherent risk in any society, but it’s important to be aware of the 21st century implications. Taking the proper steps to prevent negligence, and to train every employee on the relevant laws and regulations, is the key to preventing expensive, time-consuming legal battles.