California Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General is an essential instruction provided to juries in civil cases in California. This instruction emphasizes the responsibility of the plaintiff to take reasonable steps to minimize their damages or losses resulting from the defendant's actions. The duty to mitigate is a crucial legal principle that ensures fairness and rationality in the determination of damages. In various types of civil cases like personal injury, breach of contract, or property disputes, the duty to mitigate applies. This instruction educates jurors about the importance of the plaintiff's proactive role in minimizing their damages and maximizing their recovery. By mitigating their losses, the plaintiff demonstrates their commitment to restoring the pre-incident condition and avoiding unnecessary financial burden on the defendant. The duty to mitigate embodies the concept that the law does not permit a plaintiff to recover damages that could have been reasonably avoided. If the plaintiff can reasonably reduce or avoid their losses, failure to do so may result in a reduction of the damages awarded by the jury. This principle discourages the exploitation of legal claims for excessive compensation and encourages responsible behavior from plaintiffs. California Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General encompasses a broad range of scenarios, including but not limited to: 1. Personal Injury Cases: In instances where someone is injured due to the defendant's negligence or intentional actions, the plaintiff has a duty to seek appropriate medical care, follow prescribed treatment plans, and actively participate in rehabilitation programs to mitigate damages. Failure to do so may limit the amount of compensation awarded by the jury. 2. Breach of Contract Cases: When a contract is breached, the injured party should take reasonable steps to minimize their financial losses. This can include finding alternative suppliers, sources, or buyers to mitigate the damages caused by the breach. Failure to mitigate damages may result in reduced compensation from the jury. 3. Property Disputes: If a property owner suffers damages due to the actions of another party, they have a duty to mitigate their losses by taking appropriate measures to prevent further damage or obtain reasonable repairs. Failure to mitigate may limit the recovery of damages. In conclusion, California Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General educates jurors about the plaintiff's duty to take reasonable steps to mitigate their damages in various civil cases. This principle ensures fairness and encourages responsible behavior, preventing plaintiffs from seeking excessive compensation. By considering this instruction, juries can make informed decisions while awarding damages.