Contributory Negligence Explained

Many people wonder what the term "contributory negligence" means, especially when they are in the midst of personal injury matters, like car accidents or truck accidents.   Simply stated, contributory negligence is a common law defense that is used when people file personal injury claims based on negligence.  This defense asserts that when plaintiffs have been injured due to their own negligence, they are responsible for any damages they may have incurred.

According to contributory negligence statutes, people who have been involved in accidents or who have suffered injuries cannot obtain compensation if they were negligent in any way.  This means that if victims are even minutely responsible for causing an accident, they cannot obtain monetary compensation for their injuries, property damage, trauma, pain or suffering. 

While many states do not have contributory negligence statutes, North Carolina does.  Therefore, when people have been involved in accidents and have suffered at the hands of reckless and/or negligent individuals, it is important that they seek help from a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. 

If you have been a victim of negligence in Raleigh and you would like to learn more about your rights and legal options, contact the Whitley Law Firm to arrange to speak with a Raleigh personal injury lawyer.