Proportionate Liability
/prəˈpɔːrʃənɪt laɪəˈbɪləti/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal doctrine under which a party is liable only for the portion of damages corresponding to their degree of fault or responsibility.
Under proportionate liability, the defendant pays only for the harm they caused, not for the entire damage.
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Commentary
Proportionate liability contrasts with joint and several liability by limiting financial responsibility according to each party's contribution to harm.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.