uaktsomhet

Uaktsomhet is a Norwegian legal term that refers to negligence or carelessness in the performance of duties, resulting in harm or risk of harm to others. The word combines a negation prefix with the idea of care, signaling a lack of due caution.

In law, uaktsomhet means failing to exercise the level of care a reasonable person would in similar circumstances. It is a form of fault distinct from intent (forsett). Depending on the context and jurisdiction, it can be categorized as simple (or ordinary) uaktsomhet and grovt uaktsomhet (gross negligence), with the latter indicating a higher degree of carelessness.

In civil law, uaktsomhet can give rise to liability for damages when a duty of care existed and the negligent act caused harm. Professional contexts—such as medicine, law, or construction—often define standards of care, and deviations can lead to civil claims for malpractice or negligence.

In criminal law, uaktsomhet can underpin liability for offenses that involve carelessness rather than intent. The threshold for criminal negligence is typically higher, with grovt uaktsomhet leading to stronger penalties in crimes where reckless disregard for risk is present.

Common examples include traffic accidents caused by careless driving, injuries resulting from failure to follow safety regulations, and medical errors where the standard of care was breached. Uaktsomhet thus serves as a foundational concept for assessing fault, liability, and corrective measures in both civil and criminal contexts, balancing accountability with the degree of carelessness demonstrated.