Connecticut Jury Instruction — 2.2 With Comparative Negligence Defense is a legal guideline that provides instructions to a jury in civil cases where the defense of comparative negligence is raised. This jury instruction is utilized in Connecticut courts to define the standard of care expected from individuals involved in a lawsuit and determines whether their negligence contributed to the injuries or damages suffered by the plaintiff. In cases where comparative negligence is raised as a defense, the jury is instructed to evaluate the actions of both the plaintiff and the defendant, determining the degree to which each party's negligence contributed to the harm in question. This concept is important in cases where both parties may share responsibility for an incident or accident, as it apportions the damages accordingly. Key elements covered in Connecticut Jury Instruction — 2.2 With Comparative Negligence Defense include: 1. Duty of Care: The instruction emphasizes that all individuals have a legal obligation to exercise reasonable care and caution to prevent harm to others or to avoid situations that may lead to injuries or damages. 2. Comparative Negligence Standard: The instruction explains the concept of comparative negligence, where the jury must determine the percentage of fault attributed to each party involved in the case. This involves assessing the degree to which the actions or omissions of each party contributed to the harm suffered. 3. Burden of Proof: The jury is informed that the plaintiff bears the burden of proving the defendant's negligence and establishing that it was a proximate cause of the injuries or damages. The plaintiff must also prove that their own negligence, if any, was not greater than the defendant's. 4. Allocating Damages: If the jury finds that both the plaintiff and defendant were negligent, the instruction guides the jury on how to allocate damages between them based on their respective degrees of fault. The plaintiff's recovery is reduced by the percentage of negligence attributed to them. Types of Connecticut Jury Instruction — 2.2 With Comparative Negligence Defense: 1. Instruction for Motor Vehicle Accidents: This specific type of instruction is used in cases involving automobile accidents where the plaintiff and the defendant may share responsibility for the collision or resulting injuries. 2. Instruction for Slip and Fall Cases: This variant of the instruction is utilized in premises liability cases, wherein the plaintiff alleges negligence on the part of the property owner or occupier, but the defense argues that the plaintiff's own actions were also responsible for the incident. 3. Instruction for Product Liability Cases: In situations involving product defects or failures, this instruction provides guidance to the jury on how to assess the respective degrees of fault between the manufacturer, distributor, and the plaintiff. Overall, Connecticut Jury Instruction — 2.2 With Comparative Negligence Defense helps jurors understand the legal concept of comparative negligence and assists in determining the appropriate allocation of fault and damages between the parties involved in a civil case.