District of Columbia Jury Instruction — 1.3 Duty To Mitigate In General Pursuing Medical Care is an important instruction given to juries in the District of Columbia. This instruction emphasizes the duty of individuals who have been injured or harmed to take reasonable steps to mitigate or minimize their damages by seeking necessary medical care. When a person suffers an injury, it is crucial for them to promptly seek appropriate medical care to prevent the worsening of their condition or further complications. Failure to mitigate damages through timely medical treatment can impact the amount of compensation the injured party may be entitled to in a legal claim. Under this jury instruction, the duty to mitigate requires the injured party to exercise reasonable care in seeking medical treatment. This includes promptly visiting medical professionals, following their recommended treatment plans, attending scheduled appointments, and complying with any prescribed medication or therapy. By doing so, the injured party demonstrates their commitment to recover and minimize the expenses associated with their injuries. Different types of District of Columbia Jury Instruction — 1.3 Duty To Mitigate In General Pursuing Medical Care may include variations or specific details pertaining to different types of injuries. For instance, there could be separate instructions for mitigating damages in cases involving orthopedic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or internal injuries. These instructions remind juries that if the injured party fails to fulfill their duty to mitigate damages reasonably by seeking timely medical care, the amount of compensation awarded should be reduced accordingly. It aims to prevent situations where a party intentionally neglects medical care to exaggerate the severity of their injuries and seek larger financial compensation. In summary, District of Columbia Jury Instruction — 1.3 Duty To Mitigate In General Pursuing Medical Care guides juries in evaluating the injured party's responsibility to seek reasonable medical care following an injury. By stressing the duty to mitigate, this instruction helps ensure that individuals take necessary steps to promote their own recovery and avoid unnecessary financial burdens.