FAULT, FAIRNESS & FINGER-POINTING — What California Injury Victims Should Know About Joint Liability
In cases with multiple at-fault parties, who pays what?
At R23 Law, our California Personal Injury Attorneys are skilled in navigating complex claims involving shared fault — and we make sure liability doesn’t land unfairly on your shoulders.
Understanding Joint Liability in California Personal Injury Cases
When more than one party contributes to a personal injury, the legal process becomes far more complex — especially when fault is divided. While the article this post is based on outlines New York’s Article 16, California has its own set of rules that similarly determine how damages are assigned when multiple defendants are involved.
R23 Law’s California Personal Injury Lawyers are well-versed in the state’s comparative fault and joint and several liability doctrines, which play a major role in determining how injury compensation is awarded — and who pays.
What Does Joint and Several Liability Mean in California?
Under California law, if multiple defendants are responsible for your injuries, they may be jointly and severally liable — which means:
Each defendant may be responsible for the full amount of your economic damages (such as medical bills and lost wages), regardless of their percentage of fault.
Noneconomic damages (like pain and suffering) are usually assigned proportionally based on fault.
This protects injury victims by ensuring they are made whole — even if one defendant can’t pay their share.
R23 Law Knows How to Untangle Complex Liability Cases
When multiple parties (like drivers, property owners, or businesses) are involved, blame-shifting becomes the norm. Insurance companies love to play the “not our fault” game — and without strategic legal representation, injured Californians often get caught in the middle.
Our attorneys are relentless when it comes to:
Identifying all potentially liable parties
Filing cross-claims and third-party actions
Proving fault percentages using expert testimony
Maximizing recoveries from high-value defendants
Whether your injury stems from a multi-vehicle crash, a negligent security incident, or a construction site accident, R23 Law’s California Injury Lawyers are equipped to lead your case with clarity and precision.
What If You Were Partially at Fault?
California follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means even if you were 99% at fault, you can still recover compensation — though your award will be reduced by your percentage of liability.
For example:
If you’re awarded $100,000 but found to be 25% at fault, you would still recover $75,000.
Insurance companies often exploit this rule to unfairly reduce your claim. R23 Law won’t let that happen.
When Non-Economic Damages Are On the Line
In cases involving pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life, defense attorneys often try to downplay your experience. R23 Law’s litigation team builds compelling narratives backed by medical experts, mental health professionals, and economic analysts to secure full-spectrum compensation — especially for:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Chronic pain or disfigurement
PTSD from vehicle or assault-related incidents
Long-term disability or reduced earning potential
R23 Law: Fighting for Injury Victims Statewide
We represent clients across California in complex personal injury actions, including:
Multi-defendant car accidents
Pedestrian and cyclist injuries
Defective product claims
Workplace and third-party construction accidents
Medical malpractice involving multiple providers
We go beyond simple settlement. We investigate, litigate, and — when necessary — take the fight to court.
Don’t Let Liability Tricks Cheat You Out of Justice
If you’ve been injured and there’s more than one party involved, your case may be more valuable — but also more vulnerable to manipulation. Let R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys fight to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
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