joint and several liability doctrine (Florida) · Go Syfert
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joint and several liability doctrine in Florida

25 Florida opinions name it 2 courts 1985–2022 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Florida courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (11)

CaseFollowedCited
Merrill Crossings Associates v. McDonaldgreen
fla · 1997 · cited in 2 Florida opinions naming this issue, 2003–2022
2 sentences

2022See Merrill Crossings Assocs. v. McDonald, 705 So. 2d 560 , 560–61 (Fla. 1997) (applying the common law doctrine of joint and several liability to intentional torts); First Fin.

2003See Merrill Crossings Assocs. v. McDonald, 705 So.2d 560, 562-63 (Fla.1997).

22
Fabre v. Marinred
fla · 1993 · cited in 6 Florida opinions naming this issue, 1995–2003
2 sentences

2003Under the doctrine of joint and several liability, "all negligent defendants were held responsible for the total of the plaintiff's damages regardless of the extent of each defendant's fault in causing the accident." Id. at 1184 .

2000Section 768.81(3), Florida Statutes (1999), provides that trial courts "shall enter judgment against each party liable on the basis of such party's percentage of fault and not on the basis of the doctrine of joint and several liability." In Fabre v. Marin, 623 So.2d 1182 (Fla.1993), this Court observed that the Legislature's intention in enacting section 768.81 was to "replace joint and several liability with a system that requires each party to pay for noneconomic damages only in proportion to the percentage of fault by which that defendant contributed to the accident." Fabre, 623 So.2d at 11

16
Walt Disney World Co. v. Woodgreen
fla · 1987 · cited in 3 Florida opinions naming this issue, 1992–1997
2 sentences

1997Indeed, following the district court decision in Walt Disney World Co. v. Wood, 489 So.2d 61 (Fla. 4th DCA 1986), approved, 515 So.2d 198 (Fla.1987), the Florida legislature did enact a comparative fault statute, section 768.81, Florida Statutes (Supp.1986), that squarely directed that any judgment against a defendant be based on the defendant's percentage of fault in causing any damage and not on joint and several liability. [8] Section 768.81(3) provides: In cases to which this section applies, the court shall enter judgment against each party liable on the basis of such party's percentage o

1995For example, in Walt Disney World Co. v. Wood, 515 So.2d 198 (Fla. 1987), a tortfeasor, Disney, was found to be responsible for only one percent of the total cause of the claimant's injury, but under the doctrine of joint and several liability, Disney was required to pay all of the claimant's damages reduced only by the percentage of cause attributed to the claimant.

13
Nash v. Wells Fargo Guard Services, Inc.green
fla · 1996 · cited in 1 Florida opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
1 sentence

2022The comparative fault statute, section 768.81, Florida Statutes, provides that “[i]n a negligence action, the court shall enter judgment against each party liable on the basis of such party’s percentage of fault and not on the basis of the doctrine of joint and several liability.” § 4 768.81(3), Fla. Stat. (2019). “[I]n determining noneconomic damages fault must be apportioned among all responsible entities who contribute to an accident even though not all of them have been joined as defendants.” Nash v. Wells Fargo Guard Servs., Inc., 678 So. 2d 1262, 1263 (Fla. 1996).

11
Port Charlotte HMA, LLC v. Suarezgreen
fladistctapp · 2016 · cited in 1 Florida opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
1 sentence

2018Id.; see also Port Charlotte HMA, LLC v. Suarez, 210 So. 3d 187, 190-91 (Fla. 2d DCA 2016).

11
Gross v. Lyonsgreen
fla · 2000 · cited in 1 Florida opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
1 sentence

2004Gross v. Lyons, 763 So.2d at 279 ( quoting Restatement (Second) of Torts § 433A(2) cmt. i. (1965)).

11
Ramirez v. Stategreen
fla · 1995 · cited in 1 Florida opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
1 sentence

2004This standard requires that an expert's testimony be "based on a scientific principle or discovery that is `sufficiently established to have gained acceptance in the particular field in which it belongs.' " Ramirez v. State, 651 So.2d 1164, 1166-67 (Fla.1995). [6] The defendants did not renew their Frye motion during the course of Dr. Persky's testimony. [7] This statute provides in pertinent part: (3) Apportionment of damages — In an action to which this section applies, the court shall enter judgment against each party liable on the basis of such party's percentage of fault and not on the ba

11
Conley v. Boyle Drug Co.green
fla · 1990 · cited in 1 Florida opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
1 sentence

2001As this Court explained in Conley v. Boyle Drug Co., 570 So.2d 275, 285 (Fla. 1990): [J]oint and several liability is only favored within this state in those limited circumstances set forth in sections 768.81(3), (4) and (5), Florida Statutes (1989).

11
Louisville & Nashville Railroad v. Allengreen
fla · 1914 · cited in 1 Florida opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
1 sentence

2001See Fabre v. Marin, 623 So.2d 1182, 1184 (Fla.1993) (citing Louisville & N. R.R. v. Allen, 67 Fla. 257 , 65 So. 8 (1914)).

11
Smith v. Department of Ins.green
fla · 1987 · cited in 1 Florida opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
2 sentences

1996Second, in Smith v. Department of Insurance, 507 So.2d 1080 (Fla.1987), we recognized, by denying constitutional attacks upon section 768.81, Florida Statutes (Supp.1986), id. at 1090, 1091 , the legislature's authority to legislate in respect to comparative negligence by legislative modification of the common-law doctrine of joint and several liability.

1996Second, in Smith v. Department of Insurance, 507 So.2d 1080 (Fla.1987), we recognized, by denying constitutional attacks upon section 768.81, Florida Statutes (Supp.1986), id. at 1090, 1091 , the legislature's authority to legislate in respect to comparative negligence by legislative modification of the common-law doctrine of joint and several liability.

11
General Dynamics Corp. v. WRIGHT AIRLINESgreen
fladistctapp · 1985 · cited in 1 Florida opinions naming this issue, 1986–1986
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Florida. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (26)

CaseCitedYears
Metropolitan Dade County v. Frederic green
fladistctapp · 1997
2 sentences

2005Metropolitan Dade County v. Frederic, 698 So.2d 291 (Fla. 3d DCA), rev. denied, 705 So.2d 9 (Fla.1997).

2003Metropolitan Dade County v. Frederic, 698 So.2d 291 (Fla. 3d DCA), rev.denied, 705 So.2d 9 (Fla.1997).

22003–2005
Gouty v. Schnepel green
fla · 2001
2 sentences

2005Gouty v. Schnepel, 795 So.2d 959 (Fla.2001).

2003Gouty v. Schnepel, 795 So.2d 959 (Fla.2001).

22003–2005
Royal Palm Hotel Property, LLC v. Deutsche Lufthansa Aktiengesellschaft, Inc. green
fladistctapp · 2014
1 sentence

2022“A ‘Fabre defendant’ is a nonparty defendant whom a party defendant asserts is wholly or partially responsible for the negligence alleged.” Royal Palm Hotel Prop., LLC v. Deutsche Lufthansa Aktiengesellschaft, Inc., 133 So. 3d 1108 , 1110 n.1 (Fla. 3d DCA 2014) (citation omitted).

12022–2022
D'ANGELO v. Fitzmaurice green
fla · 2003
2 sentences

2016In D’Angelo, 863 So.2d at 314 , the supreme court recognized that prior to the enactment of section 768.81, the existing setoff statutes “presuppose[d] the existence of multiple defendants jointly and severally liable for the same damages.” But in 1997, Florida enacted section 768.81(3), which read as follows: APPORTIONMENT OF DAMAGES.— In cases to which this section applies, the court shall enter judgment against each party liable on the basis of such party’s percentage of fault and not on the basis of the doctrine of joint and several liability; provided that with respect to any party whose

2016Thus, by enacting section 768.81, Florida “eliminate[d] joint and several liability for noneconomic damages and limitfed] joint and several liability for economic damages.” 863 So.2d at 314 .

12016–2016
Frazier v. Metropolitan Dade County green
fladistctapp · 1997
1 sentence

2013Section 768.81(3) is the guide to setting the parameters of Mr. Claudio’s responsibility for Mr. Regalado’s award: “In a negligence action, the court shall enter judgment against each party liable on the basis of such party’s percentage of fault and not on the basis of the doctrine of joint and several liability.” In support of his argument, Mr. Claudio relies on three cases: Frazier, 701 So.2d 418 ; Hudson v. Moss, 653 So.2d 1071 (Fla. 3d DCA 1995); and Gurney v. Cain, 588 So.2d 244 (Fla. 4th DCA 1991).

12013–2013
Gurney v. Cain green
fladistctapp · 1991
1 sentence

2013Section 768.81(3) is the guide to setting the parameters of Mr. Claudio’s responsibility for Mr. Regalado’s award: “In a negligence action, the court shall enter judgment against each party liable on the basis of such party’s percentage of fault and not on the basis of the doctrine of joint and several liability.” In support of his argument, Mr. Claudio relies on three cases: Frazier, 701 So.2d 418 ; Hudson v. Moss, 653 So.2d 1071 (Fla. 3d DCA 1995); and Gurney v. Cain, 588 So.2d 244 (Fla. 4th DCA 1991).

12013–2013
Hudson v. Moss green
fladistctapp · 1995
1 sentence

2013Section 768.81(3) is the guide to setting the parameters of Mr. Claudio’s responsibility for Mr. Regalado’s award: “In a negligence action, the court shall enter judgment against each party liable on the basis of such party’s percentage of fault and not on the basis of the doctrine of joint and several liability.” In support of his argument, Mr. Claudio relies on three cases: Frazier, 701 So.2d 418 ; Hudson v. Moss, 653 So.2d 1071 (Fla. 3d DCA 1995); and Gurney v. Cain, 588 So.2d 244 (Fla. 4th DCA 1991).

12013–2013
Ferayorni v. Hyundai Motor Co. green
fladistctapp · 1998
1 sentence

2001Ferayorni I, 711 So.2d at 1173 n. 1. [3] "Human factors," otherwise known as "ergonomics," concerns the relationship between human beings and the objects in the world around them. [4] Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C.Cir. 1923). [5] Section 768.81 provides, (3) APPORTIONMENT OF DAMAGES In cases to which this section applies, the court shall enter judgment against each party liable on the basis of such party's percentage of fault and not on the basis of the doctrine of joint and several liability.... (4) APPLICABILITY— (a) This section applies to negligence cases.

12001–2001
Frye v. United States red
cadc · 1923
1 sentence

2001Ferayorni I, 711 So.2d at 1173 n. 1. [3] "Human factors," otherwise known as "ergonomics," concerns the relationship between human beings and the objects in the world around them. [4] Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C.Cir. 1923). [5] Section 768.81 provides, (3) APPORTIONMENT OF DAMAGES In cases to which this section applies, the court shall enter judgment against each party liable on the basis of such party's percentage of fault and not on the basis of the doctrine of joint and several liability.... (4) APPLICABILITY— (a) This section applies to negligence cases.

12001–2001
cluster 525261 green
ca11 · 1989
1 sentence

1999We are not persuaded by defendants' argument that Missouri v. Jenkins "undermines the reasoning in Finch v. City of Vernon, 877 F.2d 1497 (11th Cir. 1989), as to the continued applicability of the doctrine of joint and several liability." First, we note that the Jenkins ruling with regard to comparative fault was based on Missouri's state law.

11999–1999
Walt Disney World Co. v. Wood green
fladistctapp · 1986
1 sentence

1997Indeed, following the district court decision in Walt Disney World Co. v. Wood, 489 So.2d 61 (Fla. 4th DCA 1986), approved, 515 So.2d 198 (Fla.1987), the Florida legislature did enact a comparative fault statute, section 768.81, Florida Statutes (Supp.1986), that squarely directed that any judgment against a defendant be based on the defendant's percentage of fault in causing any damage and not on joint and several liability. [8] Section 768.81(3) provides: In cases to which this section applies, the court shall enter judgment against each party liable on the basis of such party's percentage o

11997–1997
Colonial Stores, Inc. v. Scarbrough green
fla · 1978
1 sentence

1997Id.

11997–1997
Department of Corrections v. McGhee green
fladistctapp · 1995
1 sentence

1996McGhee, 653 So.2d at 1093 .

11996–1996
Adkins v. Seaboard Coast Line RR Co. green
fladistctapp · 1977
1 sentence

1996Co., 351 So.2d 1088 (Fla. 2d DCA 1977). [3] The critical portion of section 768.81(3) provides: "In cases to which this section applies, the court shall enter judgment against each party liable on the basis of such party's percentage of fault and not on the basis of the doctrine of joint and several liability." [4] Judge Ervin concurred in part and dissented in part from the majority opinion.

11996–1996
Lincenberg v. Issen green
fla · 1975
1 sentence

1992See Walt Disney World Co., 515 So.2d at 201-02 ; Lincenberg v. Issen, 318 So.2d 386 (Fla.1975).

11992–1992
Taylor v. Delgarno Transportation, Inc. green
nm · 1983
2 sentences

1987Harrison v. Montgomery County Board of Education, 295 Md. 442 , 456 A.2d 894 (1983); Arnold v. Hayslett, 655 S.W.2d 941 (Tenn. 1983); Marley v. Kirby, 271 S.C. 122 , 245 S.E.2d 604 (1978); Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Allman v. Beam, 272 Ala. 110 , 130 So.2d 194 (1961); Watson v. Virginia Electric & Power Co., 199 Va. 570 , 100 S.E.2d 774 (1957). [4] Compare Bartlett v. New Mexico Welding Supply, Inc., 98 N.M. 152 , 646 P.2d 579 (Ct.App.) (abolishing joint and several liability because of its inconsistency with New Mexico's pure comparative negligence system), cert. d

1987Harrison v. Montgomery County Board of Education, 295 Md. 442 , 456 A.2d 894 (1983); Arnold v. Hayslett, 655 S.W.2d 941 (Tenn. 1983); Marley v. Kirby, 271 S.C. 122 , 245 S.E.2d 604 (1978); Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Allman v. Beam, 272 Ala. 110 , 130 So.2d 194 (1961); Watson v. Virginia Electric & Power Co., 199 Va. 570 , 100 S.E.2d 774 (1957). [4] Compare Bartlett v. New Mexico Welding Supply, Inc., 98 N.M. 152 , 646 P.2d 579 (Ct.App.) (abolishing joint and several liability because of its inconsistency with New Mexico's pure comparative negligence system), cert. d

11987–1987
Bartlett v. New Mexico Welding Supply, Inc. red
nmctapp · 1982
2 sentences

1987Harrison v. Montgomery County Board of Education, 295 Md. 442 , 456 A.2d 894 (1983); Arnold v. Hayslett, 655 S.W.2d 941 (Tenn. 1983); Marley v. Kirby, 271 S.C. 122 , 245 S.E.2d 604 (1978); Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Allman v. Beam, 272 Ala. 110 , 130 So.2d 194 (1961); Watson v. Virginia Electric & Power Co., 199 Va. 570 , 100 S.E.2d 774 (1957). [4] Compare Bartlett v. New Mexico Welding Supply, Inc., 98 N.M. 152 , 646 P.2d 579 (Ct.App.) (abolishing joint and several liability because of its inconsistency with New Mexico's pure comparative negligence system), cert. d

1987Harrison v. Montgomery County Board of Education, 295 Md. 442 , 456 A.2d 894 (1983); Arnold v. Hayslett, 655 S.W.2d 941 (Tenn. 1983); Marley v. Kirby, 271 S.C. 122 , 245 S.E.2d 604 (1978); Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Allman v. Beam, 272 Ala. 110 , 130 So.2d 194 (1961); Watson v. Virginia Electric & Power Co., 199 Va. 570 , 100 S.E.2d 774 (1957). [4] Compare Bartlett v. New Mexico Welding Supply, Inc., 98 N.M. 152 , 646 P.2d 579 (Ct.App.) (abolishing joint and several liability because of its inconsistency with New Mexico's pure comparative negligence system), cert. d

11987–1987
Arnold v. Hayslett green
tenn · 1983
1 sentence

1987Harrison v. Montgomery County Board of Education, 295 Md. 442 , 456 A.2d 894 (1983); Arnold v. Hayslett, 655 S.W.2d 941 (Tenn. 1983); Marley v. Kirby, 271 S.C. 122 , 245 S.E.2d 604 (1978); Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Allman v. Beam, 272 Ala. 110 , 130 So.2d 194 (1961); Watson v. Virginia Electric & Power Co., 199 Va. 570 , 100 S.E.2d 774 (1957). [4] Compare Bartlett v. New Mexico Welding Supply, Inc., 98 N.M. 152 , 646 P.2d 579 (Ct.App.) (abolishing joint and several liability because of its inconsistency with New Mexico's pure comparative negligence system), cert. d

11987–1987
Harrison v. Montgomery County Board of Education green
md · 1983
2 sentences

1987Harrison v. Montgomery County Board of Education, 295 Md. 442 , 456 A.2d 894 (1983); Arnold v. Hayslett, 655 S.W.2d 941 (Tenn. 1983); Marley v. Kirby, 271 S.C. 122 , 245 S.E.2d 604 (1978); Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Allman v. Beam, 272 Ala. 110 , 130 So.2d 194 (1961); Watson v. Virginia Electric & Power Co., 199 Va. 570 , 100 S.E.2d 774 (1957). [4] Compare Bartlett v. New Mexico Welding Supply, Inc., 98 N.M. 152 , 646 P.2d 579 (Ct.App.) (abolishing joint and several liability because of its inconsistency with New Mexico's pure comparative negligence system), cert. d

1987Harrison v. Montgomery County Board of Education, 295 Md. 442 , 456 A.2d 894 (1983); Arnold v. Hayslett, 655 S.W.2d 941 (Tenn. 1983); Marley v. Kirby, 271 S.C. 122 , 245 S.E.2d 604 (1978); Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Allman v. Beam, 272 Ala. 110 , 130 So.2d 194 (1961); Watson v. Virginia Electric & Power Co., 199 Va. 570 , 100 S.E.2d 774 (1957). [4] Compare Bartlett v. New Mexico Welding Supply, Inc., 98 N.M. 152 , 646 P.2d 579 (Ct.App.) (abolishing joint and several liability because of its inconsistency with New Mexico's pure comparative negligence system), cert. d

11987–1987
Marley v. Kirby green
sc · 1978
11987–1987
Watson, Adm'x v. Virginia Elec., Etc., Co. green
va · 1957
11987–1987
Allman v. Beam green
ala · 1961
2 sentences

1987Harrison v. Montgomery County Board of Education, 295 Md. 442 , 456 A.2d 894 (1983); Arnold v. Hayslett, 655 S.W.2d 941 (Tenn. 1983); Marley v. Kirby, 271 S.C. 122 , 245 S.E.2d 604 (1978); Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Allman v. Beam, 272 Ala. 110 , 130 So.2d 194 (1961); Watson v. Virginia Electric & Power Co., 199 Va. 570 , 100 S.E.2d 774 (1957). [4] Compare Bartlett v. New Mexico Welding Supply, Inc., 98 N.M. 152 , 646 P.2d 579 (Ct.App.) (abolishing joint and several liability because of its inconsistency with New Mexico's pure comparative negligence system), cert. d

1987Harrison v. Montgomery County Board of Education, 295 Md. 442 , 456 A.2d 894 (1983); Arnold v. Hayslett, 655 S.W.2d 941 (Tenn. 1983); Marley v. Kirby, 271 S.C. 122 , 245 S.E.2d 604 (1978); Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Allman v. Beam, 272 Ala. 110 , 130 So.2d 194 (1961); Watson v. Virginia Electric & Power Co., 199 Va. 570 , 100 S.E.2d 774 (1957). [4] Compare Bartlett v. New Mexico Welding Supply, Inc., 98 N.M. 152 , 646 P.2d 579 (Ct.App.) (abolishing joint and several liability because of its inconsistency with New Mexico's pure comparative negligence system), cert. d

11987–1987
Miller v. Miller green
nc · 1968
11987–1987
Woods v. Withrow green
fla · 1982
11986–1986
Sindell v. Abbott Laboratories green
cal · 1980
11985–1985
E. R. Squibb & Sons, Inc. v. Sindell green
scotus · 1980
11985–1985

Statutes the citing opinions construe

FL § 768.81 (22) FL § 768.31 (7) FL § 768.041 (3) FL § 768.71 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CA 31 (1978–2025) FL 25 (1985–2022) IL 24 (1983–2026) TN 20 (1995–2023) CT 9 (1990–2000) IA 9 (1983–2020) AZ 8 (1987–2003) WV 7 (1988–2015) NM 6 (1983–2001) NY 5 (1993–2015) WI 5 (1980–2009) ND 5 (1983–1989) HI 4 (1998–2012) PA 4 (2007–2021) MI 4 (1982–2015) WY 3 (1981–1987) MN 3 (1986–2013) OH 3 (2011–2025) MT 3 (1987–1990) VI 2 (1992–2017) NH 2 (2006–2011) AK 2 (1979–2023) WA 2 (1978–1983) ID 2 (1979–1987)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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