Understanding Comparative Negligence

Comparative Negligence

“Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine used to assign fault and determine damages when more than one party is responsible for an accident or injury. Under this system, a plaintiff’s compensation may be reduced in proportion to their share of the blame. For example, if a plaintiff is found 20% at fault, their compensation will be reduced by 20%.”

Comparative negligence allows injury victims to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault for the incident. Many states, including California, follow a pure comparative negligence rule — meaning you can still recover damages even if you were 99% at fault, though your compensation will be reduced accordingly.

This doctrine often comes into play in car accidents, slip-and-fall cases, and other situations where both parties may have made mistakes. A strong legal approach can help minimize your attributed fault and strengthen the value of your claim.

If the other side is trying to shift blame unfairly, it’s important to have someone on your side to push back. Contact us for a free case review to discuss your options.

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