What is the definition of Contributory Negligence?

Contributory negligence is defined as a legal concept where a person who has suffered harm or injury is found to have contributed to that harm through their own negligence. This means that if a claimant is determined to have acted in a way that contributed to their injury, their ability to recover damages may be reduced or completely barred, depending on the jurisdiction's laws.

In this context, recognizing contributory negligence is important for understanding how liability and compensation are assessed in accident cases. If a person was partially at fault for the incident, the court will weigh their contribution against that of the defendant, which can significantly influence the outcome of any claims for damages. This is why the definition focusing on claimants’ contributions to their own harm accurately represents the essence of contributory negligence.