Which of the following most accurately describes comparative negligence?

Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine used in tort law that allows for the assignment of liability based on the actions of all parties involved in an incident. When both parties have contributed to the negligence that led to an injury, comparative negligence assesses how much each party's actions contributed to the overall liability. This means that if a plaintiff is found to be partially at fault for their own injuries, their compensation can be reduced by the percentage of their fault. For instance, if a plaintiff is 20% at fault, their damages would be reduced by that percentage. This approach contrasts with systems where one party is deemed entirely at fault, irrespective of any potential contribution from the other party.

This understanding differentiates comparative negligence from scenarios where a single party is fully responsible or where negligence is wholly disregarded. Thus, it emphasizes a more equitable assessment of fault in determining financial responsibility for injuries sustained.