Negligence-Definition is defined as a legal concept that holds individuals or organizations responsible for their actions or omissions that result in harm to another person or organization. Negligence is a form of civil wrong, and can be pursued in court through a civil lawsuit. Negligence-Definition can be divided into three distinct categories: ordinary negligence, gross negligence, and contributory negligence. Ordinary negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in injury or damage to another. It is considered the least serious of the three types of negligence. Gross negligence is a higher standard of negligence, and involves a deliberate disregard for the safety of others, or a conscious decision not to act in a certain way. Contributory negligence is when the plaintiff (the person bringing the lawsuit) is partially to blame for their own injury or damage, and their negligence contributed to the harm. Contributory negligence is usually used as a defense in a lawsuit, and can reduce or even eliminate the defendant's liability.