Most injury lawsuits are based on negligence, the legal theory that holds people liable for doing (or not doing) something a similarly situated reasonable person wouldn't (or would) do, causing injury. For example, motorists are required to check their rear view mirrors before backing out of a parking space. When a motorist fails to do this and it results in a pedestrian's injuries, then he or she is negligent and likely will be found liable. To found liable for the injuries of someone to which you owed a duty (such as the pedestrian, who would not have been hit by a "reasonable" motorist) means you must pay for any costs associated with those injuries (called "damages"). These include medical costs, lost wages, ongoing care, or even emotional distress.
To owe someone a particular standard of care depends on the situation, the person's role, proximity, and other factors. If you are a surgeon, you owe a relatively high standard of care and may be sued for malpractice if you leave a scalpel inside the patient, for instance. In the previous example, the motorist owes a duty to any pedestrians, bicyclists, or other motorists who may be nearby.
Negligence Law in Idaho: The Basics
Plaintiffs in Idaho may not collect if they are at least as negligent for their own injuries as the defendant, while any damages are reduced in proportion to the plaintiff's negligence.
Additional details about how Idaho handles negligence claims are listed in the following chart. See FindLaw's Negligence section for more articles.
| Code Section | 6-801 |
| Comparative Negligence | - |
| Contributory Negligence-Limit to Plaintiff's Recovery | Contributory negligence or comparative responsibility does not bar recovery if claimant's negligence or comparative responsibility is not as great as defendants, but any damages are diminished in proportion to the negligence or comparative responsibility attributable to claimant (§6-801) |
| Contribution Among Tortfeasors | Yes; §6-803. |
| Uniform Act | No |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the enactment of newly passed legislation, decisions from appellate courts, and other means. You may want to contact an Idaho personal injury attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Idaho Negligence Law: Related Resources
Get an Attorney's Help with Idaho Negligence Laws
Because each state has its own unique set of laws, you should consult with an attorney as early as possible if you've been injured in an accident. An attorney can advise you on the laws in Idaho as well as your chances of recovering any compensation for your injuries. Reach out to a personal injury attorney today to find out your next steps.
