Contributory Negligence

Contributory negligence is a doctrine which states that if a person is injured due to the negligence of another person, but their actions also contributed to their own injuries, they are not entitled to receive damages in a personal injury claim.

Contributory negligence doctrine was established under British common law but has systematically been replaced by comparative negligence doctrine in all but five states including Alabama, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina; and the District of Columbia.

Now most states allow claimants to either receive compensation to the level of their fault or allow them to receive compensation if their degree of fault is below a specific percentage. If you live in a state which uses the contributory negligence system it is very important to talk to a personal injury lawyer about proving your actions did not contribute to your injuries. If you are unable to prove you were at fault you will not receive any compensation in an injury claim.