term:

Reckless Endangerment

reckless endangerment n

: the criminal offense of recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury or death to another person. Whether you meant any harm or not, creating a situation that puts someone else at risk is illegal.

Examples can include driving carelessly, car accidents, workplace accidents, child abuse, hospital abuse, etc.

Note: Reckless endangerment is a misdemeanor but can be a felony when a deadly weapon is involved.

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.