What is a contributory negligence defense and how does it impact my case?

A contributory negligence defense is a legal argument used in Washington State in personal injury cases. It is a defense used by the opposing party to try to reduce their liability in the case. Under contributory negligence, the defendant argues that the plaintiff’s own negligence was responsible for or contributed to their injuries. This means that even if the defendant was found to be at fault, if the plaintiff was also found to be negligent in some way, the plaintiff may not be entitled to any damages from the defendant. In Washington, contributory negligence is a complete bar to recovery for the plaintiff. This means that if it can be proven that the plaintiff was even partially negligent in their own injury, the defendant can be completely shielded from liability and the plaintiff may not be able to receive any compensation from the defendant. The plaintiff must prove that they were not negligent in any way in order to obtain any damages. It is important to understand how contributory negligence can impact your case if you are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit in Washington. If the defendant can prove that the plaintiff was negligent in any way, the plaintiff may not be able to obtain damages. It is important to consult with a personal injury attorney in Washington to understand your legal rights in a personal injury case and how contributory negligence may impact your case.

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What is a contributory negligence defense and how does it impact my case?

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