Pennsylvania Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General is an essential legal principle that guides jury members in evaluating the defendant's responsibility to minimize damages resulting from a plaintiff's injury or harm. The duty to mitigate applies to various types of cases, including personal injury, breach of contract, and other civil litigation matters in Pennsylvania. This particular jury instruction emphasizes the obligation of the injured party to take reasonable steps to minimize their losses. By doing so, the plaintiff demonstrates their commitment to mitigating the damages sustained and prevents the defendant from being held liable for avoidable or excessive losses. The jury must carefully consider whether the plaintiff took reasonable measures to mitigate their damages and evaluate the extent to which the defendant should be held responsible. Pennsylvania Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General recognizes that injured parties have a right to take appropriate actions to seek compensation, but they must also act reasonably in minimizing their damages. If the jury finds that the plaintiff failed to act reasonably and mitigate their losses, it can impact the amount of damages awarded and hold the plaintiff accountable for any avoidable expenses. In personal injury cases, for instance, the duty to mitigate may involve seeking proper medical treatment promptly, following prescribed treatment plans, attending rehabilitation sessions, and returning to work or seeking alternative employment if capable. Failure to fulfill this obligation can result in reduced compensation, as the defendant may argue that the plaintiff contributed to their own damages by neglecting to mitigate them. Similarly, in breach of contract cases, the duty to mitigate requires the non-breaching party to take reasonable steps to minimize their losses by, for example, seeking substitute performance, finding alternative suppliers, or reducing any ascertainable damages promptly. Therefore, Pennsylvania Jury Instruction — 1.1 Duty To Mitigate In General serves to educate the jury on the importance of the injured party's responsibility to mitigate damages. By considering this instruction and the specific circumstances of the case, the jury can impartially determine the appropriate amount of compensation and allocate responsibility between the plaintiff and defendant based on their respective actions.