In Wassell v. Adams the plaintiff was 97% responsible for the attack she suffered in a hotel room. As a result, the jury awarded her 3% of an $850,000 verdict, or $25,500. This action reflects which of the following legal doctrines?
A) contributory negligence
B) assumption of risk
C) comparative negligence
D) intervening conduct
E) none of the other choices

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This action reflects the legal doctrine of comparative negligence, where the plaintiff's damages are reduced in proportion to their degree of fault in the incident. In this case, the plaintiff was found to be 97% responsible, and therefore only received 3% of the verdict amount. Contributory negligence would not be the right answer since it bars the plaintiff's recovery entirely if they are found to have contributed to their own injuries. Assumption of risk and intervening conduct would not be applicable in this case based on the information given.

In Wassell V