Florida Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General: Detailed Description and Types The Florida Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General is an important legal concept that is often included in jury instructions during civil trials in the state of Florida. This instruction highlights the duty of the injured party to take reasonable steps to minimize their damages after an incident or injury has occurred. It aims to ensure fairness and prevent undue harm or exaggerated compensation. The duty to mitigate in general refers to the obligation of the injured party to minimize the extent of their losses. In other words, the injured party cannot simply sit idly by and allow damages to accumulate without making reasonable efforts to reduce them. This instruction seeks to balance the rights of both parties involved in a civil lawsuit and promote the principle of personal responsibility. When determining the extent of damages awarded to the injured party, the jury is instructed to consider whether the injured party took reasonable steps to minimize their damages. If the injured party fails to mitigate their damages, the jury may reduce the amount of compensation accordingly. The jury must carefully evaluate the evidence and decide whether the injured party acted reasonably and diligently to lessen their losses. There are no specific types of Florida Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General, as it is a general instruction applicable to various types of civil cases. However, this instruction plays a crucial role in personal injury, breach of contract, and other civil litigation cases where damages are sought by the injured party. In personal injury cases, the injured party has a duty to seek necessary medical treatment promptly and follow the healthcare provider's instructions for a faster recovery. Failure to mitigate damages may result in a reduction of compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, or pain and suffering. Similarly, in breach of contract cases, the non-breaching party has a duty to take reasonable steps to mitigate their losses. For instance, if a contractor fails to complete a construction project, the property owner must seek alternative means of completing the project to minimize financial damages. Overall, the Florida Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and fair compensation in civil cases. It reminds the jury to thoroughly consider whether the injured party made reasonable efforts to mitigate their damages and reduces compensation when a failure to mitigate is evident. By incorporating this instruction, the legal system aims to ensure a just and balanced resolution for all parties involved in civil litigation within the state of Florida.