What must be present for negligence to occur?

For negligence to occur, there must be the creation of a risk that leads to harm or injury. Negligence arises from a failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would in similar circumstances, which ultimately results in a breach of duty. This concept revolves around the idea that an individual or entity has a responsibility to avoid causing harm to others, and when that duty is breached, it creates a risk of injury.

In the context of negligence, the existence of a risk is critical because it establishes the foundation upon which the claim is built. If there is no risk created by the actions or omissions of a party, then there cannot be a breach of duty, and consequently, negligence cannot be established.

The other options do not align with the fundamental principles of negligence. The intention to cause harm pertains to intentional torts, which are different from negligence. A signed agreement is related to contract law, and while an understanding of the law can be relevant in legal proceedings, it is not a prerequisite for establishing negligence. Therefore, the focus on the creation of a risk as a key element illustrates why it is central to the definition and establishment of negligence in legal contexts.