Bailees are under a duty to use what type of care?

Bailees are under a duty to use reasonable care when handling the property of another person. This legal duty reflects the standard expected in a contractual or voluntary relationship where one party (the bailee) is responsible for the safekeeping and proper handling of another party's property (the bailor). Reasonable care takes into account the circumstances of the bailment and the type of property involved, aiming to protect the property from damage or loss while it is in the bailee's possession.

If the bailee fails to provide reasonable care, they can be held liable for any resulting damage or loss. This standard differs from strict liability, where a party is liable regardless of fault, and from minimal care or no care, which would not impose a reasonable standard of conduct. The reasonable care standard ensures that bailees are accountable for their actions without being overly burdened, as it allows for a balance between the obligations of the bailee and the expectations of the bailor.