When you’ve been injured due to the negligence or intentional actions of multiple parties, you may wonder if you can sue all of them for damages in Connecticut. It’s a common question, and the answer is not always straightforward. In this article, we’ll explore the rules and regulations surrounding suing multiple parties for the same injury in Connecticut.
Table of Contents
Joinder of Parties
In Connecticut, joinder of parties is the legal term for bringing multiple defendants into the same lawsuit. Joinder can be mandatory in certain situations, such as when all parties share common liability for the plaintiff’s injuries. Other times, it may be voluntary, with the plaintiff choosing to sue multiple parties in the same case in order to streamline the legal process.
Joint and Several Liability
When multiple defendants are sued in the same case, they may be jointly and severally liable for the plaintiff’s damages. Joint liability means each defendant is equally responsible for paying damages. Several liability means each defendant is only responsible for their portion of the damages.
In some cases, joint and several liability may apply. This means that each defendant is responsible for paying the entire amount of damages, regardless of their degree of fault. This can be beneficial for the plaintiff, as they have multiple sources of recovery for their damages, but it can be challenging for defendants who may be held responsible for more than their fair share of the damages.
Contributory Negligence
In Connecticut, the court follows the doctrine of contributory negligence. This means that if the plaintiff contributed to their own injuries in any way, they may be barred from recovering damages. If multiple parties are sued, the court will assess each party’s level of fault and adjust the damages accordingly. If the plaintiff is found to be partially at fault, their damages may be reduced or eliminated entirely.
Statute of Limitations
It’s important to note that Connecticut has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means that you only have a certain amount of time to file a lawsuit after the injury occurred. In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured due to the actions of multiple parties, you may wonder if you have the right to sue them all for damages. In Connecticut, joinder of parties is allowed, and joint and several liability may apply. However, if the plaintiff contributed to their own injuries, their damages may be reduced or eliminated entirely. It’s also important to keep in mind the statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If you are considering suing multiple parties for your injuries, it’s wise to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process.