What Happens if Multiple Parties Are Responsible for Your Personal Injury?

Personal injury claims typically arise when someone suffers damages because of another party’s negligent actions or failure to act. It may seem rather straightforward to sue a person for crashing their car into you or a property owner for failing to remove ice outside their door, but what happens when multiple parties are responsible for your personal injury?

Lawsuits may become more complex when multiple defendants are involved, and these situations are more common than some plaintiffs realize. Identifying all potentially liable parties is a necessary step in pursuing all avenues of compensation, so let’s read on to learn more about the relevant laws. For personalized guidance, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer in Wichita.

How Kansas Handles Cases With Multiple Responsible Parties Under the Comparative Fault System

Kansas uses a modified comparative fault system in personal injury cases. The court or jury assigns each party a percentage of fault and then reduces the plaintiff’s compensation by their percentage of fault.

If you are found to be less than 50% at fault, you may still recover damages, but your award is reduced accordingly. When multiple defendants are liable, each generally pays only the portion of damages that matches their assigned share of fault.

How Are the Fault Percentages Determined?

Fault percentages are based on the facts surrounding your accident and each party’s role in causing your injuries. The court may consider whether someone acted negligently and whether that conduct contributed to the harm you suffered.

Evidence can include anything from police reports and medical records to photographs of the accident scene, video footage, witness statements, and testimony from accident reconstructionists or other qualified experts. Your own actions may also be examined when determining whether you share responsibility. After reviewing the available evidence, a judge or jury assigns each party a percentage of fault. Your compensation may then be adjusted based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.

Examples of Personal Injury Cases With Multiple Defendants

Personal injury law covers a wide range of accidents and injuries, and some cases can involve more than one potentially responsible party. Multiple defendants may be involved when the actions or negligence of several people or businesses contribute to the same harm. Here are some examples:

• Car accidents: A negligent driver, vehicle manufacturer, or repair crew may share responsibility.
• Workplace accidents: A contractor or equipment manufacturer may contribute to unsafe working conditions.
• Slip-and-fall accidents: A property owner or maintenance company may be involved.
• Defective products: A manufacturer, designer, or retailer may be held responsible.
• Medical malpractice: More than one healthcare provider or facility may contribute to a patient’s injuries.

Please note these examples do not encompass all potentially liable parties in personal injury claims. Consult legal counsel for more information on shared liability.

Do You Need Help With a Personal Injury Claim?

If you think multiple parties are responsible for your personal injury or you need more help understanding comparative negligence, Larry Wall Trial Law is available. Call us at (316) 265-6000 to schedule a consultation.