The New Mexico Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General is a crucial legal principle in civil cases, which serves to outline the responsibility of plaintiffs to mitigate their damages to the best of their abilities. This instruction guides the jury in assessing the plaintiff's conduct in minimizing their losses or harm related to the case at hand. By fulfilling their duty to mitigate, the plaintiff shows that they have acted reasonably and responsibly to prevent further damages and losses. In cases where the plaintiff fails to fulfill their duty to mitigate, the court may reduce the amount of damages awarded, as the defendant should not be held liable for any losses that could have been reasonably avoided. This instruction urges the jury to carefully evaluate whether the plaintiff has made genuine and reasonable efforts to mitigate their damages throughout the course of the case. It is essential to understand that the duty to mitigate applies to a wide range of civil cases, such as personal injury claims, breach of contract disputes, property damage claims, and more. Regardless of the type of case, this jury instruction ensures fairness and accountability on the part of the plaintiff. Several types of New Mexico Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General instructions are tailored to specific legal scenarios. These may include: 1.1A Duty to Mitigate in Personal Injury Cases: This instruction specifically discusses the plaintiff's responsibility to minimize their losses and injuries related to the personal injury claim. Jurors are advised to consider whether the plaintiff took reasonable steps to seek medical treatment, follow professional advice, and engage in rehabilitation or therapy to mitigate their damages. 1.1B Duty to Mitigate in Contract Disputes: This instruction focuses on the plaintiff's obligation to minimize their damages in cases involving breach of contract. Jurors assess whether the plaintiff took reasonable actions to mitigate their losses, such as attempting to find alternative suppliers or pursuing substitute arrangements to reduce the impact of the defendant's breach. 1.1C Duty to Mitigate in Property Damage Claims: This instruction specifically applies to cases involving property damage, and it directs the jury to evaluate whether the plaintiff took appropriate steps to minimize the extent of the damage. Jurors consider whether the plaintiff promptly reported the damage, took reasonable actions to repair or prevent further harm, and sought professional assistance when necessary. In summary, the New Mexico Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General emphasizes the responsibility of the plaintiff to mitigate their damages in civil cases. By fulfilling this duty, the plaintiff demonstrates their commitment to minimizing their losses, ensuring just and fair judgments. The specific variations of this instruction in different types of cases help guide jurors to consider the unique circumstances and requirements relevant to each legal scenario.