From an early age, most people are told that they must take responsibility for their actions. While it’s a desirable character trait, victims shouldn’t let it prevent them from holding others responsible for their equally negligent behavior. Below, readers will find out how a Personal Injury Attorney in Manchester CT can help them recover after an accident for which they share liability.
Allocating Damages When Multiple Parties are Responsible
State law recognizes various systems for the allocation of fault, as shown below.
- In the comparative negligence system, defendants are held responsible according to the extent of their responsibility. In either a pure or modified comparative negligence claim, every party’s responsibility is carefully calculated. Under the pure system, defendants pay a portion of the settlement that matches their percentage of fault. Under the modified system, a plaintiff can only recover if they are less than 50% at fault.
- Under the contributory negligence system, a party cannot recover if they are in any way responsible for their injuries.
- According to the theory of joint and several liabilities, an injured party can recover full damages from any at-fault party, no matter their portion of fault.
What System Does Connecticut Follow?
Connecticut, like many other states, follows the doctrine of modified comparative negligence. This means that, if a claimant is determined to be more than 50% responsible for his or her injuries, they cannot recover damage from any other responsible party. Every case is different, and only a Personal Injury Attorney in Manchester CT can offer advice that matches a particular case’s circumstances.
What Should a Person Do When They’re Injured?
If a person is injured because of another individual’s intentional or negligent behavior, they deserve compensation for their economic losses, pain, and suffering. The fact that victims can, in some cases, contribute to their injuries does not mean that they fully surrender their right to compensation for harm inflicted by others. The team at Kahan Kerensky and Capossela LLP has extensive experience in the personal injury arena, and they’re ready to help victims get the biggest settlement possible. Call today for more details.
