Montana Jury Instruction — 7.7.1 GeneraInstructionio— - Comparative Negligence Defense is a legal instruction provided to the jury in Montana court cases involving personal injury claims. This instruction aims to guide the jury in determining the degree of fault or negligence of each party involved in the case. The purpose of Montana Jury Instruction — 7.7.1 is to inform the jury about the concept of comparative negligence, which allows for the allocation of fault between the plaintiff and the defendant. It helps the jury understand that the plaintiff may still recover damages even if they were partially responsible for the injury or harm suffered. It is important for the jury to understand that Montana follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that the plaintiff's recovery may be reduced by their own percentage of fault, as long as their fault does not exceed the fault of the defendant(s). If the plaintiff's fault is equal to or greater than that of the defendant(s), they may be barred from recovering any damages. The instruction outlines the elements the jury should consider when determining comparative negligence. These elements include: 1. Duty: Did the plaintiff owe a duty of care to themselves and others in the situation? 2. Breach: Did the plaintiff fail to act reasonably and breach their duty of care? 3. Causation: Did the plaintiff's breach of duty contribute to their injury or harm suffered? 4. Damages: What are the total damages suffered by the plaintiff? The Montana Jury Instruction — 7.7.1 GeneraInstructionio— - Comparative Negligence Defense also explains the process through which the jury should evaluate and assign percentages of fault to each party involved. The jury is instructed to consider all the evidence presented during the trial and then allocate fault accordingly. It is important to note that there may be variations or additional instructions related to Montana Jury Instruction — 7.7.1 GeneraInstructionio— - Comparative Negligence Defense, depending on the specific circumstances of the case, such as the nature of the injury, the parties involved, or other legal factors. Therefore, it is crucial for the attorneys and the judge to tailor the instruction to the individual case, ensuring the jury fully understands the application of comparative negligence in the given context. In conclusion, Montana Jury Instruction — 7.7.1 GeneraInstructionio— - Comparative Negligence Defense is a crucial part of the Montana legal system when dealing with personal injury claims. It helps guide the jury in determining the degree of fault or negligence of each party involved, allowing for a fair allocation of responsibility and potential recovery of damages for the plaintiff.