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What does contributory negligence mean in a civil court case?

  1. The employer is at fault

  2. The employee is partially at fault for their own injury

  3. The case is dismissed due to lack of evidence

  4. The claimant wins the case outright

The correct answer is: The employee is partially at fault for their own injury

Contributory negligence refers to a legal concept where an individual’s own negligence contributes to the harm or injury they have suffered. In a civil court case, if it is determined that the employee is partially at fault for their own injury, this can impact the outcome of the case. Essentially, the court may find that the actions or lack of reasonable care by the employee played a role in the incident that caused their injury. This concept is significant because it acknowledges that while an employer may have been negligent, the employee also bears a portion of responsibility for their circumstances. This can influence the damages awarded, as compensation may be reduced according to the degree of fault attributed to the employee. Understanding contributory negligence is fundamental in personal injury cases, as it affects liability and the determination of damages in legal disputes.