contributory negligence

noun

, Law.

1. negligence on the part of an injured party that combines with the negligence of another in causing the injury, sometimes so as to diminish or bar the recovery of damages for the injury.

contributory negligence

noun

1. law failure by an injured person to have taken proper precautions to prevent an accident

Word History and Origins

Origin of contributory negligence¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Jackson denied WMATA’s first bid to toss out the case in 2017, but allowed the transit system to raise the defense of contributory negligence and argue that Whiteru was intoxicated in violation of District law.

From Washington Post

The attorney general’s office, representing the youth center, filed its first response to Meehan’s lawsuit late Friday night, citing Meehan’s “contributory negligence” as a defense.

From Seattle Times

"Grant Thornton is liable for the loss suffered by the society in breaking the swaps early, subject to a reduction in damages of 50% for contributory negligence."

From Reuters

In a change for e-scooter riders, the council voted to broaden the category of “vulnerable road users” exempted from the “contributory negligence” standard that governs tort claims in the District.

From Washington Post

Council is weighing legislation to exempt riders of motorized bikes and scooters from the contributory negligence standard that governs tort claims in the District.

From Washington Post