Reckless endangerment is one of those legal terms which are heard a lot but is rather difficult to understand and specifically define in every situation. In legal terms reckless endangerment occurs when someone does something with the intentional disregard for the safety of another person or other people.
This action has to be deliberate and, to make your case, your attorney will have to be able to prove the individual completing the action understood what they were doing and kept doing it anyways.
It is not essential to prove the perpetrator was trying to cause harm to a particular person, but that they intended to do the action, understood there was a risk, but did it despite this awareness.
Common Types of Reckless Endangerment
The most common lawsuits filed for reckless endangerment involved car accidents and injuries. When a driver fails to stop at a red light, drives with excessive speed, drives an unsafe vehicle, or even if they are driving under the influence they may face reckless endangerment charges.
Other types of behavior can also lead to reckless endangerment. These could include:
- Leaving a child alone or endangering a child
- Firing a weapon randomly or for target practice in an urban area
- Professionals in medical settings using inappropriate procedures
- Assaults
- Failing to stop for a police officer
There are many types of reckless endangerment situations which may include criminal charges which can rise to the felony level, especially if a child is involved.
What to Do
If you believe you may have a case of reckless endangerment against another person your first consideration should be to meet with an attorney. The attorney will help determine if there is a case or grounds for a lawsuit, which will be important in determining how to go forward with your personal injury case.
