Which doctrine allows negligence to be inferred simply because an event occurred?

The doctrine that allows negligence to be inferred simply because an event occurred is known as Res Ipsa Loquitur. This Latin phrase translates to "the thing speaks for itself." It applies in situations where an accident or injury is of a type that does not typically happen without someone’s negligence, and the circumstances surrounding the incident imply that the defendant had control or responsibility over the situation.

For example, if a patient is injured during surgery due to a surgical instrument left inside the body, this situation strongly indicates that the surgical team acted negligently, largely because such an event is abnormal and suggests a lack of proper care. The plaintiff does not need to prove direct negligence but instead relies on the inherent nature of the incident to suggest that negligence occurred.

The other options pertain to different legal principles. Negligent entrustment involves holding a person liable for negligence when they entrust a dangerous instrumentality to someone unfit to possess it. Strict liability applies to situations where a party is held liable for damages regardless of fault or negligence, typically in cases involving inherently dangerous activities. Contributory negligence refers to a situation where the injured party may have played a role in causing their own injury, which can limit or negate the damages they can recover.

In summary