Santa Clara California Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General: The Santa Clara California Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General is a legal instruction given to the jury in a civil case in Santa Clara, California. This instruction explains the duty of a plaintiff to take reasonable steps to minimize or mitigate their damages after being harmed or injured by the defendant's actions or negligence. The purpose of this instruction is to ensure fairness and prevent overcompensation in a civil lawsuit. The duty to mitigate, as outlined in the Santa Clara California Jury Instruction — 1.1, applies to various types of civil cases, including personal injury, property damage, breach of contract, and employment disputes. It is an important legal principle that recognizes the responsibility of the injured party to make reasonable efforts to reduce the potential harm or loss suffered. By instructing the jury on the duty to mitigate, the court prompts them to consider whether the plaintiff took appropriate and reasonable actions to minimize their damages. The jury must evaluate whether the plaintiff acted reasonably in light of the circumstances, such as seeking necessary medical treatment, following prescribed rehabilitation plans, attempting to find alternate employment, or taking steps to mitigate property damage. It is important to note that failure to mitigate damages can affect the amount of compensation the plaintiff is entitled to receive. If the jury finds that the plaintiff did not fulfill their duty to mitigate, they may reduce the damages awarded accordingly. However, the jury should also be informed that the burden of proving the failure to mitigate rests with the defendant. In certain cases, there might be additional or specific Santa Clara California Jury Instructions related to the duty to mitigate. These instructions may vary depending on the type of case being heard. For instance, in a personal injury case, the Santa Clara California Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General may be supplemented by instructions specific to medical treatments, rehabilitation efforts, or vocational training. In summary, the Santa Clara California Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General is a crucial instruction that ensures fairness in civil cases. It guides the jury in determining whether the plaintiff fulfilled their duty to reasonably mitigate the damages suffered. By examining the plaintiff's actions and decisions regarding their injury or loss, the jury can reach a fair and just verdict.