To avoid being considered negligent, the courts want to see that reasonable action has been taken to prevent a loss. What constitutes reasonable action depends on the situation. For example, someone who carelessly tosses a cigarette from their balcony might be considered negligent (and therefore liable) if the resulting fire causes damage to the building, or to property belonging to others. For example: the person who carelessly tossed that cigarette may be personally liable for damage to the patio furniture on the balcony below, as well as structural damage to the building.