Indiana Jury Instruction — 1.1 Comparative Negligence Defense is a legal instruction provided to jurors in Indiana courtrooms, particularly in cases involving personal injury or negligence. This instruction addresses the principle of comparative negligence, which plays a crucial role in determining liability and damages in such cases. Keywords: Indiana jury instruction, 1.1, comparative negligence defense, personal injury, negligence, liability, damages. In Indiana, there are two types of comparative negligence instructions frequently used in jury trials: 1. Indiana Jury Instruction — 1.1 Comparative Negligence Defense: This instruction educates jurors about the concept of comparative negligence and explains how it affects the allocation of fault and damages in a personal injury case. It clarifies that if multiple parties are found to have contributed to an accident or injury, their liability and damages will be apportioned based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party. This instruction guides jurors in determining the level of negligence of all involved parties. 2. Modified Comparative Negligence Instruction: Under this version of comparative negligence instruction, Indiana follows a modified system referred to as "51% modified comparative negligence." This means that a plaintiff can only recover damages if their negligence is determined to be 50% or less. If a plaintiff's negligence is found to be 51% or more, they are barred from recovering any damages. If a plaintiff's level of negligence falls within the acceptable limit (50% or less), their recoverable damages will be reduced in proportion to their assigned percentage of fault. For example, if a plaintiff is found to be 30% responsible for an accident, their awarded damages will be decreased by 30%. It becomes crucial for the jury to carefully consider the evidence presented to assess the extent of negligence by each party involved. The jury's determination of comparative negligence, based on the facts and circumstances of the case, ultimately impacts the final outcome regarding liability and the amount of damages awarded to the injured party. The Indiana Jury Instruction — 1.1 Comparative Negligence Defense helps jurors understand their role in evaluating comparative negligence claims and assists them in reaching a fair and just verdict. These instructions ensure that all parties involved are aware of the legal standards and principles governing such cases, leading to a more informed and equitable decision-making process.