15.80 GENERAL VERDICT FORM: CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE SUBMITTED
Overview of this form
The 15.80 General Verdict Form: Contributory Negligence Submitted is a legal document used by juries in civil cases to deliver their findings regarding a plaintiff's claim against a defendant. This form is specifically designed for cases involving contributory negligence, allowing juries to specify their verdict clearly, including assessments of total damages and any percentages of negligence attributed to the plaintiff. This differs from other verdict forms, as it emphasizes the impact of contributory negligence on the final judgment.
Main sections of this form
- Identification of the plaintiff and defendant.
- Verdict stating whether the jury finds in favor of the plaintiff or defendant.
- Assessment of total damages if the jury finds in favor of the plaintiff.
- Specification of the percentage of negligence attributed to the plaintiff.
- Instructions for handling multiple claims in a single case.
When this form is needed
This form should be used in civil cases where contributory negligence is a relevant factor. For example, if a plaintiff is injured due to an incident but may be partially at fault, this form allows the jury to articulate their findings on both liability and damages while considering the plaintiff's contribution to the incident. It is commonly applied in cases involving Federal Employers Liability Act (F.E.L.A.) claims.
Intended users of this form
- Juries involved in civil cases that include contributory negligence as part of their deliberations.
- Judges overseeing trials to ensure clarity in jury verdicts on negligence cases.
- Attorneys presenting cases in court where contributory negligence may affect damages awarded.
How to prepare this document
- Identify the parties involved by providing the names of the plaintiff and defendant.
- Indicate the jury's decision by marking either in favor of the plaintiff or the defendant.
- If in favor of the plaintiff, specify the total damages awarded.
- Determine and write the percentage of negligence attributed to the plaintiff, if applicable.
- Follow any additional instructions related to multiple claims as necessary.
Notarization guidance
In most cases, this form does not require notarization. However, some jurisdictions or signing circumstances might. US Legal Forms offers online notarization powered by Notarize, accessible 24/7 for a quick, remote process.
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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.
Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.
Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.
If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.
We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Failing to specify the plaintiff's and defendant's names correctly.
- Not providing a clear verdict regarding liability.
- Forgetting to assess total damages when finding in favor of the plaintiff.
- Incorrectly calculating or omitting the percentage of contributory negligence.
Why use this form online
- Convenient and quick access to a legally vetted template.
- Edit and fill out the form according to the case specifics.
- Printable and downloadable for easy submission in court.
- Ensures compliance with legal standards as the form is drafted by licensed attorneys.
