Chapter 16-10 Assumption of The Risk and Contributory Negligence

• Jurisdiction: United States

16-10 Assumption of The Risk and Contributory Negligence

Express assumption of the risk is a complete bar to recovery.⁷⁹ Contributory negligence, on the other hand, generally only proportionately reduces the plaintiff's recov-ery.⁸⁰ In cases where the plaintiff's contributory negligence is greater than 50 percent, the plaintiff's recovery is completely barred.⁸¹

16-10:1 Elements—Express Assumption of the Risk

(1) The plaintiff consented to the dangerous activity;⁸² and

(2) The plaintiff's consent was:

(a) Knowing;⁸³ and
(b) Express.⁸⁴

16-10:2 Elements—Contributory Negligence

(1) The plaintiff's fault;⁸⁵

(2) Contributed to the plaintiff's injury.⁸⁶

For a discussion of the Texas Comparative Fault scheme, see Chapter 18.

16-10:3 Other Substantive Issues

Implied assumption of the risk is not a viable defense, and therefore cannot be a strict bar to recovery.⁸⁷ Any evidence of the plaintiff's implied assumption of risk may be considered when apportioning the plaintiff's fault under Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33.⁸⁸

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Notes:

^[79] Farley v. MM Cattle Co., 529 S.W.2d 751, 758 (Tex. 1975).

^[80] Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. § 33.012(a).

^[81] Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. § 33.001.

^[82] Farley v. MM Cattle Co., 529 S.W.2d 751, 758 (Tex. 1975).

^[83] Farley v. MM Cattle Co., 529 S.W.2d 751, 758 (Tex. 1975).

^[84] Farley v. MM Cattle Co., 529 S.W.2d 751, 758 (Tex. 1975). The plaintiff's express consent must clearly and unequivocally list the risk to be assumed. Newman v. Tropical Visions, Inc., 891 S.W.2d 713, 719 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1994, writ denied).

^[85] Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. § 33.003(a). "Fault" includes any negligent act or omission, or any conduct that violates an applicable l egal standard. "Fault" also includes the former concept of implied assumption of the risk. (Farley v. M M Cattle Co., 529 S.W.2d 751, 758 (Tex. 1975)).

^[86] Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. § 33.003(a).

^[87] Farley v. MM Cattle Co., 529 S.W.2d 751, 758 (Tex. 1975).

^[88] Farley v. MM Cattle Co., 529 S.W.2d 751, 758 (Tex. 1975); see Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. § 33.003 (requiring the parties' "fault" to be apportioned).