[Legal Dictionary]: Definition of Endangerment

Endangerment, in legal terminology, is an action or inaction in which one person exposes another person to possible harm. Endangerment can be accidental or intentional.

Intentional endangerment usually involves a crime, such as battery or reckless driving. A person who intentionally endangers someone may face criminal charges in addition to any civil suit the victim may file against him or her.

Unintentional endangerment usually involves negligence. Although the perpetrator may not mean any harm, his or her carelessness exposes the victim to danger. Examples of unintentional endangerment may include:

• Distracted driving
• A landlord failing to remove ice and snow from walkways (premises liability)
• Certain cases of medical malpractice

Intentional or accidental, endangerment is one of the key elements that must be proven in any personal injury case.