What is 'comparative negligence' versus 'contributory negligence'?

These doctrines address situations where the plaintiff was partly at fault for their own injuries. Pure Contributory Negligence: any fault by the plaintiff bars recovery entirely — even if plaintiff is 1% at fault and defendant 99%, plaintiff recovers nothing. Still used in Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and D.C. — harsh and unpopular. Comparative Negligence: plaintiff's recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. Pure Comparative (about 13 states): plaintiff can recover even if 99% at fault, but recovery is reduced by their percentage. Modified Comparative (most states): plaintiff can recover only if their fault is below a threshold (usually 50% or 51%), with recovery reduced by their percentage. The doctrine in effect dramatically affects liability claim values. Understanding which doctrine applies in the state of the loss is essential for claims professionals.