Understanding Connecticut’s Modified Comparative Negligence Standard

If you’ve suffered an injury because of someone else’s negligence, you may have heard of the term “modified comparative negligence.” Victims who live in Connecticut should familiarize themselves with this concept, as it may play an important role in their claim. If you are partially at fault for the accident in which you were injured, comparative negligence could affect how much compensation you ultimately receive.

Getting the compensation you deserve often comes down to how hard you’re willing to fight and whether or not you bring in legal assistance. The personal injury team at The Dodd Law Firm can help you fight for justice—call us at 203-272-1883 to set up a consultation now.

Comparative Negligence Explained

Comparative negligence is a legal idea used to decide how much fault each person has in an accident. The other approach is contributory negligence, where you can’t get any compensation if you are even 1% to blame. Comparative negligence allows for a fairer division of responsibility, rather than completely blocking a victim from compensation if the other side can put even a sliver of liability on them.

There are two main categorizations of comparative negligence, each of which is used in a variety of states: pure and modified. In pure comparative negligence, you can still get compensation even if you’re mostly at fault, but your payout is then reduced by your level of fault. For example, if you’re 80% at fault, you can still recover 20% of the damages.

Modified comparative negligence, on the other hand, sets a limit. If your fault is higher than a certain percentage—often 50% or 51%—you can’t get any compensation. This system aims to ensure that you only pay for the portion of harm you actually caused, making it fairer for everyone involved. Additionally, up until the limit, your compensation is reduced by the amount of blame you share, as it is in pure comparative negligence cases.

Connecticut’s Approach

Connecticut uses a modified comparative negligence standard to determine fault in accident cases. Under this rule, you can seek compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. If you are found to be 51% or more responsible for the accident, you cannot recover any damages. This approach ensures that only those who are less than half at fault can claim compensation, keeping those who are largely at fault for an accident from receiving compensation from the other party.

For instance, if you are 40% at fault and the other party is 60% at fault, you can still recover 60% of your damages. This system aims to hold each person accountable for their own actions while still allowing for compensation if you are not primarily to blame. Understanding this rule is essential for anyone dealing with a personal injury case in Connecticut, as it directly affects how much compensation you might receive. As an example, consider a car accident in which you incur $10,000 worth of losses. The court determines you were 40% at fault for the crash. You only receive 60% of the awarded damages, or $6,000.

How Connecticut’s Modified Comparative Negligence Standard Affects Legal Claims

Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This legal standard significantly impacts personal injury and accident claims by evaluating the percentage of fault assigned to each involved party. The determination of fault directly influences the compensation awarded to the plaintiff. If the plaintiff is found partially responsible for the accident, their compensation is reduced proportionally to their percentage of fault.

The Impact on Compensation of the Modified Comparative Negligence System

For instance, if a plaintiff is awarded $100,000 in damages but is found to be 20% at fault, their compensation will be reduced by $20,000, leaving them with $80,000. This rule highlights the importance of minimizing the plaintiff’s perceived fault to maximize their potential compensation.

Importance in Legal Proceedings

The modified comparative negligence standard plays a pivotal role in both settlement negotiations and trial preparations. A skilled lawyer will work diligently to gather and present evidence that minimizes the plaintiff’s fault percentage. This may involve demonstrating the defendant’s negligence, highlighting the plaintiff’s adherence to safety measures, or presenting expert testimony to support the plaintiff’s case.

51% Bar Rule for the Modified Comparative Negligence System

The 51% bar rule in Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence system is particularly crucial. If the plaintiff’s fault reaches or exceeds 51%, they are barred from recovering any compensation. This rule underscores the necessity of a strong legal strategy to ensure the plaintiff’s fault remains below this threshold.

Managing Expectations and Guiding Decisions 

Understanding the implications of the modified comparative negligence standard is essential for plaintiffs to manage their expectations and make informed decisions about pursuing a claim. It also influences the legal strategies employed by their attorneys, from evidence collection to negotiation tactics with insurance companies.

Key Considerations for Comparative Negligence

• Evidence Collection: A thorough investigation is necessary to gather evidence that supports the plaintiff’s case and minimizes their fault. This may include photographs, video footage, witness statements, and expert opinions.
• Negotiation: Armed with compelling evidence, attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement that reflects the plaintiff’s reduced fault.
• Trial Preparation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial. In this scenario, the attorney will present evidence and arguments to convince the court of the defendant’s primary responsibility and the plaintiff’s minimal fault.

Choose The Dodd Law Firm for Your Case

The team at The Dodd Law Firm is here to help you demand full and fair compensation after a personal injury. Let’s talk more about your options—call us at 203-272-1883 or get in touch online to set up a consultation with our team.