Contributory Negligence
The contributory negligence claim allows someone to recover damages even if their own negligence caused some of the injuries. To recover damages, the negligence of the person seeking damages as the plaintiff in the lawsuit cannot be greater than the negligence of the defendant.
In all actions brought to recover damages for negligence resulting in death or injury to person or property, the fact that the plaintiff may have been guilty of contributory negligence does not automatically prevent a recovery by the plaintiff where such negligence was not greater than the negligence of the defendant.
Attorney for Contributory Negligence in Pennsylvania
The attorneys at Ciccarelli Law Offices have decades of experience helping people all over Southeastern Pennsylvania who have suffered serious injuries due to the negligence of others. Attorneys take pride in their commitment to service and pursuing justice for all clients the firm represents.
Call Ciccarelli Law Offices at (610) 719-3190 today for a free evaluation of your case. Our attorneys will be able to investigate all the details of your case. We can help you understand your best legal options to pursue the damages you deserve for your injuries.
Information Center on Contributory Negligence in Pennsylvania
- Elements of Contributory Negligence
- Contributory Negligence Defense Claims
- Contributory Negligence vs. Comparative Negligence
Elements of Contributory Negligence
The burden of establishing contributory negligence rests with the defendant. The defendant has the burden of proving two things:
- (1) The plaintiff was negligent
- (2) The plaintiff’s negligence was the cause of their injury or harm
Contributory negligence can still be a defense for claims of professional negligence involving monetary loss.
If a plaintiff is guilty of contributory negligence, then the defendant is not liable. A plaintiff’s recovery will not be affected by their negligent conduct unless that conduct played a substantial part in causing the injury for which damages are sought. Such negligence would need to be greater than the negligence of the defendant to not receive recovery.
Contributory Negligence Defense Claims
Someone can claim damages under contributory negligence for:
- Monetary Loss claims
- Legal malpractice claims
- Negligent termite inspections claims
- Fraudulent disclosures by realtors claims
- Negligent misrepresentation claims
- Professional negligence claims
- Liability claims
- Accounting malpractice claims
Contributory Negligence vs. Comparative Negligence
Contributory negligence is acted on the part of the plaintiff no matter how small their responsibility in the injury is. In comparative negligence, the plaintiff’s responsibility in the injury only matters when determining the amount of damages each party owes.
The Comparative Negligence Act does not cancel contributory negligence as a complete defense in all cases. Comparative negligence only applies when the damages claimed include personal injury, death, or damage to property.
The Comparative Negligence Act does not apply to damage claims for to intangible property or monetary loss. Contributory negligence does allow damages for monetary loss. The Comparative Negligence Act is not applicable in cases in which realtors fraudulently failed to disclose facts (Keller v. Re/Max Centre Realty, 719 A.2d 369).
If you are injured in an accident, you can recover monetary damages from a defendant as long as you are found to be no more than 50% liable for damages. If a plaintiff is found to be 50% (or less) liable, each defendant shall be liable for their proportionate total dollar amount awarded as damages.
Many years ago the contributory law was very popular but recently courts have transitioned to using comparative negligence solely.
Additional Resources
§ 7102. Comparative negligence – Visit the website of the Pennsylvania General Assembly to find the statute on comparative negligence including the general rule, recovery against joint defendants, apportionment of responsibility among certain nonparties, savings provisions, and definitions.
Contributory Negligence Attorney in Chester County, PA
If you have been injured in West Chester, Radnor, Plymouth Square, Malvern, Philadelphia, or in Chester County, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney at Ciccarelli Law Offices as soon as possible.
Claims for damages can get confusing quick and it is helpful to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side that can help you figure out a plan of action.
Contact Our PA Personal Injury Lawyers
We are a team of Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyers our main offices located in West Chester, Chester County Pennsylvania and serving clients throughout the greater Philadelphia Metro Area including Lancaster County, Berks County, Bucks County, Delaware County and Montgomery County. If your family has been victimized by the negligence of another and you are seeking a free initial consult on you rights and possible claims, it is crucial you speak to an experienced Pennsylvania Injury lawyers in order to ensure your rights are protected and to review all of your legal options with you.
The Injury attorneys of Ciccarelli Law Offices have successfully represented individuals throughout the state of Pennsylvania that have been injured in accidents. Our Chester County based law firm is based at 304 North High Street, West Chester PA 19380 and serves clients throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to in Kennett Square, Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Exton, Chester Springs, Chadds Ford, Landenberg, Lancaster, Media, Harrisburg, Reading, Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Oxford, Malvern, Parkesburg, Phoenixville and Paoli. Contact us now at (610) 692-8700 or call toll free (877) 529-2422. Don’t wait—contact an attorney immediately.