      
  306 reviews

Full-Service Law Firm

Law FAQ: What is negligence?

Focused, personal representation for Tennessee families and businesses, with offices in Nashville and Memphis.

Last Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Read Time: 2 mins

Negligence is the legal term for failing to exercise reasonable care and caution under a given set of circumstances. It is commonly referred to as “the ordinary, reasonable man” standard. Legal liability is assessed when a person fails to follow society’s most basic “rules of the road” so to speak.

Some examples of negligence might include:

Running a red light and causing a wreck.
A hurried doctor who fails to follow correct protocol and thus fails to diagnose a curable disease.
A nurse who fails to check the medical chart and who then dispenses the wrong medication.
A store owner who fails to mop up a known puddle on the floor.
A pharmacist who dispenses the wrong dosage of medication.
A contractor who fails to adhere to building plans or skirts building codes.
A child care center that fails to conduct background checks before hiring employees to care for children unsupervised.
A lawyer who fails to file his client’s lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.

In a negligence case, a plaintiff is required to prove five elements:

that a duty of care was owed by the defendant;
that the defendant failed to live up to that duty (i.e. referred to as a “breach of duty”);
that an injury or loss occurred;
that the breach of duty actually caused the injury or loss; and,
proximate or legal cause.

More on these five elements tomorrow….

Client Reviews

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nancy Wallace 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking to do estate planning, go with Patterson Bray! They are excellent to deal with!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Cheryl Adkins 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We loved the staff at Patterson Bray.  Everyone was very professional.  Judith was very thorough and explained everything extremely well.  We would recommend Patterson Bray to anyone.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Hailey Wade 
 27 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray PLLC did an excellent job with my grandmother's estate planning, and made everything easy to understand! She recommended them to a friend who went and is also very satisfied with their services.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Deb Clark 
 32 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience with this firm, particularly Judith Denham has been truly exceptional.  From the consultation to the finish, the attention to detail, listening and responding to my needs.  My documents were completed timely and professionally.  I highly recommend Patterson Bray.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Tanya White 
 32 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PattersonBray Estate Planning was an incredible firm to work with setting up our Trust. Judith Denham was thorough, very smart, and personable as she patiently explained each part.  Gabby put together  a very professional beautiful binder for us to have, and has answered questions we have had since  then. I am so glad they were recommended to us, and we had them to walk us through this procedure.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Charmaine Sego 
 33 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray did a great job with my mother's trust.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Phil Chamberlain 
 49 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray PLLC - first class lawyers.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Catherine McGee 
 69 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Heath Taylor was a genuine joy to work with during my divorce: straight forward, professional, and knowledgeable. I do hope I never have the need to acquire more legal help, but if I do, he'll be my first call. Thank you for everything, Heath!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Marva Johnson 
 75 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I FOUND PATTERSON BRAY AND JUDITH DENHAM TO BE PROFESSIONAL, VERY THOROUGH, AND PERSONAL. I DID NOT FEEL LIKE A CLIENT, BUT A PERSON. I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THEM, ESPECIALLY JUDITH AND GABBY. VERY GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE.
M.JOHNSON
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Pam Nicole 
 76 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We set up a trust with Judith, at Patterson Bray and we received excellent service. Everything was explained thoroughly and everyone was very friendly and professional. I would definitely use her and the firm again, if needed.

View All

Legal Options After the Frayser Shooting

Two men were hospitalized in life-threatening condition after a shooting in the Frayser neighborhood of Memphis on Wednesday afternoon. Police say the suspects fled on foot, and no one has...

Read This Blog

How do I ensure my child’s inheritance is protected from divorce?

Transcript: 00:00:00 There's a few ways that parents typically leave their children their inheritances. I would say most typically parents tend to leave their adult children their inheritance outright....

Read This Blog

How do I file a probate case in Tennessee?

Transcript: 00:00:00 So, probate is initiated in the county where the deceased resided at the time of their death. And this is done by filing a petition to open...

Read This Blog

Law FAQ: What is negligence?

Patterson Bray

Blog & News

Legal Options After the Frayser Shooting

How do I ensure my child’s inheritance is protected from divorce?

How do I file a probate case in Tennessee?