What legal term describes a situation where a person is held legally responsible for harm caused to another?

The correct term that describes a situation where an individual is held legally responsible for harm caused to another is liability. In legal contexts, liability refers to the obligation of an individual or entity to compensate for harm or damages that they have caused. This encompasses various forms of responsibility, including those arising from contracts, torts, and statutory obligations.

For example, if a funeral service provider fails to fulfill their contractual duties or is negligent in their care, resulting in harm to a family or individual, they can be found liable for that harm. Liability can arise in both civil and criminal contexts and is a fundamental concept in law that ensures accountability for wrongful actions.

The other terms provided in the choices relate to different legal concepts. A lawsuit is a formal legal action in which one party sues another to resolve a dispute. Negligence refers to a specific type of liability that occurs when an individual fails to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would exercise in similar circumstances, which may result in harm. An injunction is a court order that compels a party to do or refrain from specific actions, rather than addressing responsibility for harm itself. Understanding these distinctions reinforces the concept of liability as a cornerstone of legal accountability.