What must a plaintiff demonstrate to support a claim of negligence?

To support a claim of negligence, a plaintiff must demonstrate that they suffered an injury or loss as a direct result of the defendant's actions. This is a fundamental component of a negligence claim, as it establishes that the plaintiff was harmed in some way, whether physically, emotionally, or financially. Showing that an injury or loss occurred is essential for holding the defendant accountable, as negligence is closely tied to the concept of duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and resultant damages. Without proof of injury or loss, the claim lacks the necessary foundation to proceed, regardless of any other factors related to the incident.

The other options involve aspects that can be relevant in some contexts but are not required to substantiate a negligence claim. For instance, having an actor licensed may pertain to professional standards but is not a standalone requirement. Witness presence can add credibility but is not necessary. The location of the act being public is also not a determining factor in establishing negligence on its own.