Contributory Negligence in District of Columbia
State-specific overview · Tort Law
DC uses pure comparative negligence, allowing recovery even if plaintiff is 99% at fault, reduced by their percentage.
How District of Columbia treats Contributory Negligence
District of Columbia applies pure comparative negligence, meaning a plaintiff can recover damages even if they bear primary responsibility for their injury. The plaintiff's recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. DC courts and juries compare the negligence of all parties and apportion liability proportionally, so a plaintiff 80% at fault in a car accident can still recover 20% of their damages from the defendant. This rule applies broadly across personal injury cases, including auto accidents, premises liability, and product liability claims.
The general definition of Contributory Negligence
A plaintiff's own carelessness that partially caused their injury, reducing their recovery.
When someone gets hurt, the court looks at whether the injured person also acted carelessly and contributed to their own harm. If they did, their financial award gets reduced by the percentage they're responsible for. For example, if you're hit by a car while jaywalking, you might be found 20% at fault, so your damages would be cut by that amount. This rule exists because the law thinks people should take reasonable care for their own safety too.
Read the full Contributory 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 District of Columbia.