What does 'Res Ipsa Loquitur' allow regarding negligence?

'Res Ipsa Loquitur' is a legal principle that translates to "the thing speaks for itself." It allows for the inference of negligence based on the circumstances surrounding an incident, even when there is no direct evidence showing that the defendant acted negligently. This principle is particularly applicable in cases where the nature of the accident implies that negligence must have occurred, such as in surgical errors or when a patient is injured by a falling object from a building.

In essence, if the facts of the case suggest that the harm would not have occurred without someone’s negligent actions, a court may infer negligence without the plaintiff needing to present direct evidence. This makes it easier for plaintiffs to establish their case when direct proof is difficult to obtain. It creates a presumption of negligence that the defendant must then overcome, thus shifting the focus to the circumstances of the event rather than needing explicit evidence of the defendant's misconduct.