Allegheny Pennsylvania Jury Instruction — 1.1 Comparative Negligence Defense is a crucial legal concept in personal injury cases. When a plaintiff files a lawsuit claiming damages for injuries sustained due to the negligence of the defendant, the defendant may assert the defense of comparative negligence. This defense asserts that the plaintiff's own negligence contributed to the accident or injury and should be taken into account when determining liability and damages. Comparative negligence is based on the idea that both parties involved in an accident may bear some responsibility for the incident. Under Allegheny Pennsylvania law, the jury is instructed to evaluate the percentage of fault attributable to the plaintiff and the defendant. The purpose of this instruction is to ensure that each party's proportionate contribution to the accident is considered when determining the final verdict. It helps determine the extent to which the plaintiff's compensation may be reduced based on their own negligence. There are different types of Allegheny Pennsylvania Jury Instruction — 1.1 Comparative Negligence Defense depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Here are some examples: 1. Pure Comparative Negligence: Under this approach, the plaintiff can recover compensation even if they are primarily at fault for the accident. The jury determines each party's percentage of fault, and the plaintiff's damages are reduced by their assigned percentage of negligence. 2. Modified Comparative Negligence (50% Bar): In this approach, the plaintiff can only recover damages if their percentage of fault is below a certain threshold, typically 50%. If the plaintiff's negligence surpasses this threshold, they are barred from recovering any compensation. 3. Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar): Similar to the 50% bar approach, but with a higher threshold. The plaintiff is barred from recovery if their negligence exceeds 51%. 4. Last Clear Chance: This is a doctrine related to comparative negligence that can be applied in certain situations. It states that even if the plaintiff was negligent, they can still recover damages if the defendant had the last opportunity to avoid the accident but failed to do so. In Allegheny Pennsylvania, the specific type of comparative negligence instruction given to the jury depends on the facts and circumstances of the case. The jury must carefully assess the evidence presented, consider each party's actions leading up to the accident, and assign a percentage of fault to both the plaintiff and the defendant. This instruction helps ensure a fair and just determination of liability and damages in personal injury cases.