What principle allows a defendant to be found partially liable for a loss?

The principle that allows a defendant to be found partially liable for a loss is known as comparative negligence. This legal doctrine enables the court to assign a percentage of fault to both parties involved in a claim, which influences the amount of damages awarded. Under this principle, if a plaintiff is found to be partially at fault for their own losses, the damages they can recover may be reduced by their percentage of fault. For instance, if a jury determines that a plaintiff is 30% responsible for an accident, they can only recover 70% of the total damages.

This system contrasts sharply with approaches such as contributory negligence, where any fault on the part of the plaintiff can completely bar recovery. Comparative negligence provides a more equitable solution by acknowledging that both parties may share responsibility in varying degrees, allowing for a fairer allocation of damages based on actual fault. It promotes a just outcome by recognizing that injuries and damages can result from the combined actions of multiple parties.