The failure to use reasonable care, resulting in harm to another. negligent infliction of emotional distress comparative negligence. The plaintiff's own negligent acts that bring about a pro rata reduction of the damages owed by the defendant, depending on the degree of the plaintiff's own negligence; compare contributory negligence. concurrent negligence. The negligence of two or more parties contributing to the ultimate harm. contributory negligence. Any degree of negligence on the part of ...