Which of the following is a defense for liability?

• A. Assumption of risk
• B. Comparative negligence
• C. Contributory negligence
• D. Strict liability

Answer: (C)

Contributory negligence is a defense that focuses on the plaintiff’s own actions. If the plaintiff failed to take reasonable care and that failure helped cause the injury, the defendant can argue that liability should be reduced or even dismissed. This makes it a direct way to negate or limit liability because the fault is shared with the plaintiff.

For example, if someone is injured due to a hazardous condition but they ignored clear warnings or chose not to wear protective gear, their own carelessness can bar or cut back their recovery, depending on the jurisdiction.

Assumption of risk is another defense, but it rests on the plaintiff knowingly accepting the danger, which is a different basis for avoiding liability. Comparative negligence describes how fault is allocated among parties and how damages are split, rather than being a pure defense that entirely removes liability. Strict liability, on the other hand, imposes liability regardless of fault, with very limited defenses.