What is required for a plaintiff to prove 'damages' in a negligence case?

In a negligence case, for a plaintiff to establish 'damages', they must demonstrate that they suffered physical or monetary harm as a direct result of the defendant's breach of duty. This harm can encompass a variety of specific losses, such as medical expenses from physical injuries, lost wages due to an inability to work, or property damage.

The requirement that damages must be tangible and demonstrable is foundational in tort law. This ensures that there is a clear link between the wrongful act and the resulting harm, providing the basis for compensation. While emotional distress can be a part of the damages claim in some cases, it is not the sole criterion for establishing damages, as evidenced by the fact that physical and financial impacts are emphasized as core components of the plaintiff's burden of proof.

Loss of reputation, while it can be a component of damages in certain tort actions, is not universally applicable to all negligence cases and often requires a specific context, such as defamation. Proven intent to cause harm is irrelevant in the context of negligence, as negligence is generally characterized by carelessness rather than intentional wrongdoing. Therefore, demonstrating physical or monetary harm solidly fulfills the requirement for establishing damages in a negligence claim.