Which statement best describes the elements of negligent misrepresentation (careless)?

• A. It requires an intentional false statement to deceive.
• B. It includes a false statement of fact made negligently, with reasonable reliance and damages; no contractual relationship is required.
• C. It requires a contractual relationship between the parties.
• D. It requires the plaintiff to prove actual malice.

Answer: (B)

Negligent misrepresentation involves a false statement of fact made carelessly, with the person relying on it and suffering damages, and it does not require a contractual relationship. The crucial parts are that the statement is false, it’s made negligently (not with the intent to deceive), the other party reasonably relies on it, and damages flow from that reliance. This is why the description that highlights a false factual statement made negligently, with reasonable reliance and damages, and no required contract best fits.

The other possibilities miss key elements: intentional deceit describes fraud, not negligent misrepresentation; requiring a contractual relationship adds an unnecessary privity requirement; and insisting on actual malice goes beyond what negligent misrepresentation requires.