Subsequent Negligence

What Does Subsequent Negligence Mean?

Subsequent negligence refers to negligence that occurs at the time of the injury, as opposed to negligence that happens beforehand. It is distinct from prior negligence, with subsequent negligence being regarded as a proximate cause of the injury, while initial negligence is viewed as a remote cause. Liability insurance can offer protection against lawsuits and claims stemming from alleged cases of subsequent negligence by the insured. The amount of coverage someone carries matters here, because a single negligence claim can easily exceed minimum limits, which is why it helps to know how much liability insurance you actually need.

Insuranceopedia Explains Subsequent Negligence

Subsequent negligence occurs when someone fails to take necessary actions or exercise a reasonable level of care after initial negligence has already occurred. For example, if a co-pilot notices an error made by the pilot during a flight but fails to take appropriate corrective measures, leading to passenger injuries, the co-pilot’s subsequent negligence becomes a proximate cause of those injuries. Drivers sometimes wonder if liability car insurance alone is enough, and subsequent negligence scenarios are one reason the answer often depends on the size of the potential claim.