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Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002
102Apportionment of liability—contributory negligence
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102 Apportionment of liability—contributory negligence
(1) If a person (the claimant) suffers damage partly because of the
claimant’s failure to take reasonable care (contributory negligence)
and partly because of someone else’s wrong—
(a) a claim for the damage is not defeated because of the claimant’s
contributory negligence; and
(b) the damages recoverable for the wrong are to be reduced to the
extent the court deciding the claim considers just and equitable
having regard to the claimant’s share in the responsibility for the
damage.
(2) However, if the claimant suffered personal injury and the wrong was
a breach of statutory duty, the damages recoverable by the claimant
for the personal injury must not be reduced because of the claimant’s
contributory negligence.
(3) If an Act or contract providing for the limitation of liability applies to
the claim, the amount of damages awarded to the claimant because of
subsection (1) must not exceed the maximum limit applying to the
claim.
(4) This section does not defeat any defence arising under a contract.
(5) This section has effect subject to part 7.1 (Damages for personal