Negligence in Connecticut
State-specific overview · Tort Law
Connecticut uses pure comparative negligence, allowing recovery even if you are 99% at fault, with damages reduced accordingly.
How Connecticut treats Negligence
Connecticut permits plaintiffs to recover damages even when they bear significant fault, as long as the defendant is also negligent. Your recovery is reduced by your own percentage of comparative negligence. Connecticut courts apply the ordinary reasonable person standard to establish the duty of care owed in most situations. The state also recognizes specific negligence duties for property owners and occupiers based on the visitor's legal status.
The general definition of Negligence
Failure to exercise reasonable care that results in harm to another person.
Negligence is a legal concept in civil law (not criminal) that holds people responsible for careless behavior. To prove negligence, you must show four things: the defendant had a duty to be careful, they breached that duty, their breach caused your injury, and you suffered actual damages. Negligence doesn't require intent to harm—it's about failing to act as a reasonably careful person would in similar circumstances. Victims of negligence can sue for compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Read the full Negligence entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.