July 14, 2015 | Legal Dictionary | Social Share
Endangerment is a tort—or action causing harm to another—in which a person exposes others to possible danger or harm. Endangerment can be intentional or accidental.
Intentional Endangerment
Intentional endangerment is usually a crime. A person who intentionally endangers another may face criminal charges and may be sued for damages by their victim. Examples of intentional endangerment include:
- Battery
- Assault
- Reckless driving
Accidental Endangerment
Unintentional or accidental endangerment generally involves negligence. A person who may not mean any harm can still endanger another person through careless actions or inaction. Examples of this type of endangerment include:
- Certain types of medical malpractice
- A store owner failing to warn of slippery floors with appropriate signage
- A distracted driver who rear-ends another motorist