n

1. Serious attention, concern, interest, or regard.
2. In negligence law, the level of caution and prudence demanded in the conduct of a person in a given situation. The appropriate level is determined by measuring the potential dangers in the particular situation, the risk that the personÂ’s actions might bring the risk to fruition, and the possible ways of minimizing or eliminating the risk. In some situations, the level of care owed is determined by statute. See also reasonable man, malpractice, and negligence.

degree of care

due care

1. A phrase used to describe the level of care that an ordinarily reasonable, intelligent, and prudent person would use under the same or similar circumstances. For example, “Smith’s failure to exercise due care before the accident constitutes negligence.” Depending upon the seriousness of the particular situation and the known risks, due care may be reasonable care or a higher or lower degree of care.
2. See reasonable care.

highest degree of care

ordinary care

reasonable care