What does the term "negligence per se" mean in Ohio law?

The term "negligence per se" refers to a legal concept in which an act is deemed negligent simply because it violates a statute or regulation designed to protect the public. In Ohio law, this doctrine simplifies the process for plaintiffs in personal injury cases because they do not need to establish that the defendant acted unreasonably; instead, the violation of the law itself is considered proof of negligence.

This principle is grounded in the belief that when a statute or regulation is in place to ensure safety or welfare, failure to comply with it amounts to a breach of duty. For example, if a driver runs a red light, they are violating traffic laws, which might automatically establish negligence if an accident occurs as a result.

The other choices do not accurately capture this legal concept. The first suggests a subjective interpretation of negligence, which does not align with the objective nature of statutes. The third implies that proof of intent is necessary in negligence cases, which is not the case with negligence per se; intent is irrelevant here. Lastly, the fourth incorrectly limits the concept to medical malpractice, while negligence per se can apply in various areas of law beyond just healthcare contexts. Therefore, the understanding of negligence per se is central to properly addressing breaches of statutory duties in legal cases