What is the usual burden that falls on the defendant in a negligence claim?

In a negligence claim, the usual burden that falls on the defendant is to demonstrate that they were not negligent, which involves providing evidence that supports their positions and countering claims made by the plaintiff. This can often mean proving their innocence in relation to the alleged acts of negligence. The defendant must show that they did not breach a standard of care that led to the plaintiff's injuries.

Addressing the other options, compensation for injuries typically falls to the defendant if found negligent, rather than being a burden of proof. The burden of evidence regarding the plaintiff's wrongdoing does not usually rest with the defendant; rather, it is the plaintiff’s responsibility to establish that the defendant owed a duty and breached it. Demonstrating reasonable medical practice is a factor in medical malpractice claims, but it’s usually part of the plaintiff's burden to show that the standard of care was breached, rather than a direct burden on the defendant in all negligence claims.