Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are some of the only states that follow the concept of pure contributory negligence. This legal doctrine holds that even if the victim is just one percent at-fault in his or her injury, he or she may be barred from recovering compensation. Other states tend to follow a comparative negligence statute that holds victims can still recover damages even if they were partially to blame for their injury.
Victim blaming is a common tactic by defendants and their attorneys, regardless of the jurisdiction or the applicable laws. For that reason, and many others, we strongly suggest injury victims speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer or medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible to discuss their case.
For information on contributory negligence laws in your area, click on the links below:
