What does the legal term "Res Ipsa Loquitur" imply in negligence cases?

The legal term "Res Ipsa Loquitur" translates from Latin to "the thing speaks for itself." In negligence cases, this concept is used when the circumstances surrounding an accident are such that the cause of the injury is obvious and does not require extensive evidence to support a claim of negligence. Essentially, it implies that the nature of the accident is sufficient to infer that someone was negligent without needing direct proof of that negligence.

For example, if a patient undergoes surgery and a surgical instrument is left inside their body, the injury is clearly the fault of the medical professionals involved, as such an event would not typically occur in the absence of negligence. In situations where Res Ipsa Loquitur applies, it shifts the burden of proof to the defendant to refute the presumption of negligence.

This principle aligns with the correct answer because it directly reflects the legal implication that the evidence of negligence is innate to the circumstances of the injury. Thus—without requiring additional substantial evidence—Res Ipsa Loquitur allows a plaintiff to argue that the injury suggests negligence on part of the defendant.