What is a “duty owed” in the context of negligence?

In the context of negligence, a “duty owed” refers to a responsibility that one individual has to provide care to others in order to avoid causing harm. This concept is a fundamental element of negligence law, which establishes that individuals or entities must act with a certain standard of care toward others. When a duty is owed, it implies that there is a legal or ethical obligation to ensure that one’s actions do not cause foreseeable harm to others.

For example, a driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely to avoid harming other road users. If that duty is breached—such as if the driver is reckless or negligent—and someone is harmed as a result, the driver may be held liable for negligence. This principle applies in various situations where individuals or organizations interact, reinforcing societal expectations of responsible behavior.

The other options do not represent the concept of “duty owed” in negligence. Obligations regarding insurance contracts, agreements to pay damages, or rights to cancel policies pertain to legal and contractual frameworks rather than the ethical responsibility to avoid causing harm to others.