Negligence in Rhode Island
State-specific overview · Tort Law
Rhode Island applies pure comparative negligence, allowing recovery regardless of how much the plaintiff contributed to their own injury.
How Rhode Island treats Negligence
Rhode Island is a pure comparative negligence jurisdiction, meaning a plaintiff can recover even if they are 99% responsible for their own injury, though damages are reduced accordingly. The defendant's negligence is measured against the standard of a reasonably prudent person under similar circumstances. Rhode Island courts examine duty, breach, causation, and damages as the core elements of a negligence claim.
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 Rhode Island.