What is meant by "comparative negligence" in Ohio?

Comparative negligence in Ohio refers to a legal principle that reduces the amount of damages a plaintiff can recover based on their own degree of fault in the incident that led to their injuries. Under this doctrine, if a plaintiff is found to be partially at fault for their injuries, the court will calculate damages and then reduce the award by the percentage of fault attributed to the plaintiff. For example, if a plaintiff is awarded $100,000 in damages but is found to be 20% at fault, their recovery would be reduced to $80,000.

This concept allows for a more equitable distribution of damages based on the actual circumstances surrounding the incident, encouraging accountability on all sides. Comparative negligence contrasts with other theories of negligence, where a party might either bear all the responsibility or none, but in this case, fault is proportioned, reflecting a more nuanced and fair approach to liability.

This principle is particularly relevant in personal injury cases, where determining the extent of each party's fault can significantly impact the final compensation awarded. In Ohio, the comparative negligence rule aims to provide fairness in the justice system by taking into account all contributing factors to an accident or injury.