A defense to a negligence action in which it is asserted that the claimant failed to meet the standard required for his or her own protection, which contributed to the loss.
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MEDICAL,USA: Action of an individual that helps to bring about another’s negligent act.
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In a few states, a plaintiff is prohibited from collecting any damages from a dependent if the plaintiff’s negligence contributed to the accident in any way. This can be illustrated with the same example used in the comparative negligence definition. Josh runs a stop sign and has a wreck with Marilyn. Marilyn sues Josh for damages to her vehicle and her medical bills. During the investigation of the accident it is found that Marilyn was speeding, which added to the severity of her damages. Under the doctrine of contributory negligence, Marilyn’s contribution to the severity of the accident prevents her from collecting any damages. (See Comparative Negligence).
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UK: Negligence by which a person contributes to the happening of an accident to him or contributes to the injury or damage he sustains. He is part author of his own misfortune and, under the Law Reform (Contributory Negligence) Act 1945, his damages will be reduced according to his share of the blame.
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US: Negligence of the damaged person that helped to cause the accident. Some states bar recovery to the plaintiff if the plaintiff was contributory negligent to any extent. Others apply comparative negligence.
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The lack of ordinary care on the part of an injured person, which combined with the defendant’s negligence and contributed to the injury as a proximate cause. In some jurisdictions, contributory negligence on the part of an injured party will defeat his claim. See Also: “Negligence, contributory.”