What rule in tort law bars a plaintiff from recovering damages if they are partly at fault?

In tort law, the doctrine that bars a plaintiff from recovering damages if they are partly at fault is known as contributory negligence. This rule stipulates that if a plaintiff contributes in any way to the injury or damages they have suffered, they may be completely barred from receiving any compensation from the defendant. The harshness of this rule means that even a small percentage of fault on the part of the plaintiff can deny them the ability to recover damages.

This contrasts with comparative negligence, where the plaintiff's recovery is reduced by the percentage of their fault, allowing them to still receive some compensation even if they were partially responsible for the incident. No-fault insurance systems operate under a different premise, focusing on compensation without the determination of fault, while strict liability pertains to situations where a party is held liable regardless of fault for certain activities, typically involving inherently dangerous activities or defective products. Understanding the nuances of these various principles is crucial in determining liability and potential recovery in tort cases.