Which of the following best describes the elements required to prove negligence and obtain damages?

• A. They were owed a common law duty of care
• B. There was a failure to fulfil the duty to take reasonable care
• C. Damage, loss or injury resulted from the breach
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

To prove negligence and obtain damages you must show three things together: a duty of care owed by the defendant to the claimant, a breach of that duty by failing to meet the required standard of care, and damages that were caused by that breach. Each piece matters. The duty explains why the defendant’s conduct is even responsible for the claimant’s safety; the breach shows that the standard of care wasn't met; the damages demonstrate a loss that can be financially recovered and must be linked to the breach. If any one of these elements is missing, the claim cannot succeed. For example, there can be a duty and a breach but no damages if no harm results; there can be damages without a duty or breach, which wouldn’t establish negligence; or damages that aren’t caused by the breach won’t support liability. Therefore, the best choice is the one that states all three elements are required.