Joint Tortfeasors Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Joint Tortfeasors, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Joint Tortfeasors?

When two or more people are involved for in one wrongful act or negligence, by which they cause injury or damage to the same person or the same property, they are jointly liable for those injuries or damage irrespective of how much fault was each one at. Thats known as Joint tortfeasor. if ne of them feel that they have been asked to compansate more than their fault was, they can claim the same by the way of principle of contribution from the court.

History and Meaning of Joint Tortfeasors

Joint tortfeasors refer to two or more persons or entities who act in concert to commit a wrongful act resulting in injury or damage to another person or entity. A tortfeasor is a person who commits a tort, which is a civil wrong that results in harm to another party. Joint tortfeasors are held jointly and severally liable for the damages caused, meaning that each tortfeasor is completely responsible for the harm caused, and liable for the full amount of damages awarded to the injured party.

The legal principle of requiring joint tortfeasors to pay damages became more prevalent in the 19th century as the practice developed in English common law. Joint tortfeasors could be held liable not only for the damages caused by their own negligence, but also for the damages caused by the negligent acts of the other joint tortfeasors.

Examples of Joint Tortfeasors

  • Two drivers racing on a public road collide, causing injury to a pedestrian. Both drivers are joint tortfeasors and are therefore jointly and severally liable for the injuries and damages resulting from their actions.
  • Two contractors working together on a construction project fail to properly secure scaffolding, causing an accident that results in injury to a passerby. The contractors are joint tortfeasors and can be held liable for the damages caused.
  • Two manufacturers knowingly produce a harmful product and distribute it to the public, resulting in extensive injuries and damages. Both manufacturers are joint tortfeasors and can be held liable for the damages caused by their defective product.

Legal Terms Similar to Joint Tortfeasors

  • Comparative Negligence: A principle in tort law where the fault for an injury is assigned based on the percentage of fault each party bears.
  • Contributory Negligence: A doctrine that holds that a plaintiff who is partially at fault for their own injury or damage cannot recover any compensation from any other party.
  • Vicarious Liability: A liability that a supervisory party can bear for the actions of a subordinate, such as an employer for the actions of an employee.