Which of the following describes contributory negligence?

Contributory negligence refers to a legal doctrine in tort law where an injured party can be barred from recovery if they are found to have contributed in any way to their own injury. This means that if the injured party is found to have any fault in the incident that caused their injury, they may lose their right to collect damages entirely.

The essence of this doctrine is to encourage individuals to exercise caution and take responsibility for their own conduct. Under this rule, even a small amount of negligence on the part of the injured party can be enough to prevent them from receiving compensation. This is contrasted with systems that evaluate fractions of fault, which allow for more nuanced assessments of liability and potential recovery.

Understanding contributory negligence is crucial, as it highlights the strict nature of liability in such jurisdictions. Different states have adopted various approaches to negligence, and some states follow a modified comparative negligence system where partial recovery is allowed, but contributory negligence remains strict in those few states that still adhere to its traditional form.