gross negligence

[grohs neg-li-juhns]

noun

Law.

1. in general, an act or practice of negligence that demonstrates a willful and reckless disregard for others’ safety and an indifference to their rights, such as speeding through a busy parking lot: interpreted differently in different jurisdictions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gross negligence¹

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

And the parents of Kaylea Titford, 16, from Powys, were jailed for gross negligence manslaughter after leaving her to die in conditions deemed "unfit for any animal" in October 2020.

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According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the offence of gross negligence manslaughter requires the breach of an existing duty of care, which gives rise to a serious and obvious risk of death.

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The investigation was launched in 2023 and last year a man in his 30s, from West Wiltshire, was arrested on suspicion of six counts of gross negligence manslaughter and four counts of ill-treatment or wilful neglect by a care worker.

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A 59-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in March this year.

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The senior police officer in charge at Hillsborough, David Duckenfield, was acquitted of gross negligence manslaughter after two trials.

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