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

We have practically agreed on that, and that leaves the only defense remaining for the employer, that of contributory negligence.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Flora: Cannot they bring in the law of contributory negligence?

From Project Gutenberg

In his own words, “We wish to avoid bringing in again under another name the old principle of contributory negligence.”

From Project Gutenberg

All this was in as perfect accordance with law as our fellow-servant or contributory-negligence doctrines.

From Project Gutenberg

Defendant pleaded that in omitting to sound its hooter the owl was guilty of contributory negligence.

From Project Gutenberg