contributory negligence defense (Illinois) · Go Syfert
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contributory negligence defense in Illinois

74 Illinois opinions name it 3 courts 1883–2024 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Illinois 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 (19)

CaseFollowedCited
Alvis v. Ribargreen
ill · 1981 · cited in 18 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1981–2008
2 sentences

2008Bachman was decided before Alvis v. Ribar, 85 Ill. 2d 1 , 421 N.E.2d 886 (1981), held that Illinois would apply comparative negligence instead of the common-law doctrine of contributory negligence.

2008Bachman was decided before Alvis v. Ribar, 85 Ill. 2d 1 , 421 N.E.2d 886 (1981), held that Illinois would apply comparative negligence instead of the common-law doctrine of contributory negligence.

518
The People v. Dailygreen
ill · 1968 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
2 sentences

2017App. 3d 58, 69 (1997) (quoting People v. Daily, 41 Ill. 2d 116, 121 (1968)). ¶ 36 Moreover, even if Mr. Adwent properly presented the issue, or we assumed that he requested the contributory negligence instruction and jury verdict form from the Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions, we would find there was no error.

2017App. 3d 58, 69 (1997) (quoting People v. Daily, 41 Ill. 2d 116, 121 (1968)). ¶ 36 Moreover, even if Mr. Adwent properly presented the issue, or we assumed that he requested the contributory negligence instruction and jury verdict form from the Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions, we would find there was no error.

22
Clarkson v. Wrightgreen
ill · 1985 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2007–2007
2 sentences

2007See Clarkson v. Wright, 108 Ill.2d 129, 132 , 90 Ill.Dec. 950 , 483 N.E.2d 268 (1985), quoting Prosser, Torts ง 65, at 422-23 (4th ed. 1971) ("`Closely allied to the doctrine of contributory negligence is the rule of "avoidable consequences," which denies recovery for any damages which could have been avoided by reasonable conduct on the part of the plaintiff.

2007See Clarkson v. Wright, 108 Ill. 2d 129, 132 (1985), quoting Prosser, Torts §65, at 422-23 (4th ed. 1971) (" 'Closely allied to the doctrine of contributory negligence is the rule of ‘avoidable consequences,’ which denies recovery for any damages which could have been avoided by reasonable conduct on the part of the plaintiff.

22
Nimetz v. Cappadonagreen
dc · 1991 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
2 sentences

2006Defendants argue that, under -15- 1-04-3217 the "two issue" rule (Nimetz v. Cappadona, 596 A.2d 603, 607 (D.C. 1991)), plaintiffs waived this issue because plaintiffs did not request a special interrogatory that would have clarified the basis for the verdict in the survival action.

2006Defendants argue that, under the “two issue” rule (Nimetz v. Cappadona, 596 A.2d 603, 607 (D.C. 1991)), plaintiffs waived this issue because plaintiffs did not request a special interrogatory that would have clarified the basis for the verdict in the survival action.

22
Knisely v. Community Traction Co.green
ohio · 1932 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
2 sentences

2006Knisely v. Community Traction Co., 125 Ohio St. 131, 137 , 180 N.E. 654, 656 (1932).

2006Knisely v. Community Traction Co., 125 Ohio St. 131, 137 , 180 N.E. 654, 656 (1932).

22
Hollis v. R. Latoria Construction, Inc.green
ill · 1985 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012
2 sentences

2012Latoria Construction, Inc., 108 Ill.2d 401, 412 , 92 Ill.Dec. 449 , 485 N.E.2d 4 (1985) (Ryan, J., dissenting) ("if the plaintiff's conduct is the sole proximate cause of the injury * * *, the defendant is not liable"). ¶ 28 In any event, Hobart does not stand for the proposition that the public policy recognized by our supreme court compels a contributory negligence instruction in every case involving the suicide of a mentally ill patient.

2012Latoria Construction, Inc., 108 Ill.2d 401, 412 , 92 Ill.Dec. 449 , 485 N.E.2d 4 (1985) (Ryan, J., dissenting) ("if the plaintiff's conduct is the sole proximate cause of the injury * * *, the defendant is not liable"). ¶ 28 In any event, Hobart does not stand for the proposition that the public policy recognized by our supreme court compels a contributory negligence instruction in every case involving the suicide of a mentally ill patient.

12
McCarthy v. Kunickigreen
illappct · 2005 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
2 sentences

2006Defendant next argues that the trial court erred by refusing to give a contributory-negligence instruction offered by defendant. *288 "Contributory negligence is defined as a lack of due care for one's own safety as measured by an objective reasonable[-]person standard. [Citation.] The test of such negligence is not the frequency with which the act has been safely completed by others, but whether plaintiff, at the time of the occurrence, used that degree of care which an ordinarily careful person would have used for his or her own safety under like circumstances. [Citation.] Ordinarily, it is

2006“Contributory negligence is defined as a lack of due care for one’s own safety as measured by an objective reasonable[-]person standard. [Citation.] The test of such negligence is not the frequency with which the act has been safely completed by others, but whether plaintiff, at the time of the occurrence, used that degree of care which an ordinarily careful person would have used for his or her own safety under like circumstances. [Citation.] Ordinarily, it is the jury’s responsibility to consider whether plaintiff’s actions amounted to contributory negligence [citation]; the question of cont

12
Mensinger v. O'Haragreen
· 1914 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
1 sentence

2013In this case, there was no evidence warranting the submission of a contributory negligence instruction to the jury. ¶ 25 Defendant hospital cites the case of Mesinger v. O’Hara, 189 Ill.

11
Pfaff v. Chrysler Corp.green
ill · 1992 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
1 sentence

2009See Pfaff v. Chrysler Corp., 155 Ill. 2d 35, 61 , 668 N.E.2d 51 (1992) (“where an amendment is complete in itself and does not refer to or adopt the prior pleading, the earlier pleading ceases to be part of the record for most purposes, being in effect abandoned and withdrawn”).

11
Tabe v. Ausmangreen
illappct · 2009 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
1 sentence

2009See Tabe, 388 Ill.

11
People v. Reedgreen
illappct · 1996 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
1 sentence

2009See Pfaff v. Chrysler Corp., 155 Ill. 2d 35, 61 , 668 N.E.2d 51 (1992) (“where an amendment is complete in itself and does not refer to or adopt the prior pleading, the earlier pleading ceases to be part of the record for most purposes, being in effect abandoned and withdrawn”).

11
Jones v. Rallosgreen
illappct · 2008 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
1 sentence

2009See Jones v. Rallos, 384 Ill.

11
McFarlane v. City of Niagara Fallsgreen
ny · 1928 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
2 sentences

1998Restatement (Second) of Torts § 840B(1), Comment d (1979); Annotation, Contributory negligence or assumption of risk as defense to action for damages from nuisance — modern views, 73 A.L.R.2d 1378 , 1387 (1960) (section 4, collecting cases); Young, 382 Mich, at 463 , 169 N.W2d at 922; McFarlane v. City of Niagara Falls, 247 N.Y. 340, 347 , 160 N.E. 391, 393 (1928); 66 C.J.S.

1998Restatement (Second) of Torts § 840B(1), Comment d (1979); Annotation, Contributory negligence or assumption of risk as defense to action for damages from nuisance — modern views, 73 A.L.R.2d 1378 , 1387 (1960) (section 4, collecting cases); Young, 382 Mich, at 463 , 169 N.W2d at 922; McFarlane v. City of Niagara Falls, 247 N.Y. 340, 347 , 160 N.E. 391, 393 (1928); 66 C.J.S.

11
Young v. Groenendalgreen
mich · 1969 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
2 sentences

1998Young v. Groenendal, 382 Mich. 456, 462 , 169 N.W.2d 920, 922 (1969).

1998Young v. Groenendal, 382 Mich. 456, 462 , 169 N.W.2d 920, 922 (1969).

11
Menolascino v. Superior Felt & Bedding Co.green
illappct · 1942 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
2 sentences

1998Nuisances § 13 (1957) (contributory negligence is "ordinarily" not a defense in a nuisance action); Menolascino, 313 Ill.App. at 566-67 , 40 N.E.2d at 817 (relying on a "general rule" against a contributory negligence defense).

1998App. at 566-67 , 40 N.E.2d at 817 (relying on a “general rule” against a contributory negligence defense).

11
McEniry v. Tri-City Railway Co.green
ill · 1912 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
11
Belmar Drive-In Theatre Co. v. Illinois State Toll Highway Commissiongreen
ill · 1966 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
11
Mock v. Sears, Roebuck & Co.green
illappct · 1981 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1986–1986
11
Haeg v. Sprague, Warner Co. Inc.green
minn · 1938 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1967–1967
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

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

Also cited on this issue (60)

CaseCitedYears
Maki v. Frelk green
ill · 1968
2 sentences

1975The contributory negligence rule was carefully reconsidered and reaffirmed by the Illinois Supreme Court in Maki v. Frelk (1968) 40 Ill. 2d 193 .

1975The contributory negligence rule has often been criticized as producing harsh results, but in Maki v. Frelk, 40 Ill.2d 193 , the Illinois Supreme Court reaffirmed the doctrine, and we are bound to apply it here.

61973–1975
Miller v. Pinnacle Door Co., Inc. green
illappct · 1998
2 sentences

2021Miller, 301 Ill.

2021Miller, 301 Ill.

22021–2021
Todd A. Mulhern, Individually and as Representative of the Estate of Elizabeth M. Von Linden v. Catholic Health Initiatives A/K/A Catholic Health Initiatives Iowa Corp. D/B/A Mercy Franklin Center and/or Mercy Hospital and/or Mercy Psychiatric Services green
iowa · 2011
2 sentences

2012Mulhern, 799 N.W.2d 104 .

2012Mulhern, 799 N.W.2d 104 .

22012–2012
Junker v. Ziegler green
ill · 1986
2 sentences

2012The plaintiff contends the contributory negligence instruction served to taint the jury's determination of damages, without citation to the record, and without explaining, in an "identifiable manner," how the jury's determination of damages was tainted. [3] ¶ 43 The defendant, on the other hand, cites Junker v. Ziegler, 113 Ill.2d 332 , 101 Ill.Dec. 627 , 498 N.E.2d 1135 (1986), for its contention that the appropriate remedy for the jury being erroneously instructed on contributory negligence is to reinstate the original damages award, rather than grant a new trial on damages only.

2012The plaintiff contends the contributory negligence instruction served to taint the jury's determination of damages, without citation to the record, and without explaining, in an "identifiable manner," how the jury's determination of damages was tainted. [3] ¶ 43 The defendant, on the other hand, cites Junker v. Ziegler, 113 Ill.2d 332 , 101 Ill.Dec. 627 , 498 N.E.2d 1135 (1986), for its contention that the appropriate remedy for the jury being erroneously instructed on contributory negligence is to reinstate the original damages award, rather than grant a new trial on damages only.

22012–2012
Orzel v. Szewczyk green
illappct · 2009
2 sentences

2010Based on the general verdict returned, we cannot say the contributory negligence instruction made a difference in this case. [Citation.]" Orzel, 391 Ill.App.3d at 290 , 330 Ill.Dec. 381 , 908 N.E.2d 569 .

2010Based on the general verdict returned, we cannot say the contributory negligence instruction made a difference in this case. [Citation.]” Orzel, 391 Ill.

22010–2010
Cereal Byproducts Co. v. Hall green
illappct · 1956
2 sentences

2003Cereal Byproducts, 8 Ill.

2003Cereal Byproducts, 8 Ill.App.2d at 336 , 132 N.E.2d 27 .

22003–2003
Carlisle v. Harp green
illappct · 1990
2 sentences

1998App. 3d 908 , 558 N.E.2d 318 (1990), a fifth district case, stands for an absolute rule that denial of proximate cause can never give the plaintiff notice of a contributory negligence defense, we decline to follow this case here.

1998It is difficult to see how the parties would not foresee this defense on the facts presented. *632 To the extent that Carlisle v. Harp, 200 Ill.App.3d 908 , 146 Ill.Dec. 355 , 558 N.E.2d 318 (1990), a fifth district case, stands for an absolute rule that denial of proximate cause can never give the plaintiff notice of a contributory negligence defense, we decline to follow this case here.

21998–1998
Hobart v. Shin green
illappct · 1997
2 sentences

1998Plaintiff counters that the appellate court was correct in holding that “contributoiy negligence in a suicide malpractice case *** is inappropriate and irrelevant.” 292 Ill.

1998Plaintiff counters that the appellate court was correct in holding that "contributory negligence in a suicide malpractice case * * * is inappropriate and irrelevant." 292 Ill.App.3d at 588 , 226 Ill.Dec. 834 , 686 N.E.2d 617 .

21998–1998
Skinner v. Reed-Prentice Division Package MacHinery Co. green
ill · 1978
2 sentences

1981It would seem only fair and equitable to apply this judge-made law prospectively to causes of action arising after the issuance of the mandate in this case, June 8, 1981, as this court did in Skinner v. Reed-Prentice Division Package Machinery Co. (1977), 70 Ill.2d 1 , Stevens v. Silver Manufacturing Co. (1977), 70 Ill.2d 41 , Robinson v. International Harvester Co. (1977), 70 Ill.2d 47 , Renslow v. Mennonite Hospital (1977), 67 Ill.2d 348 , and Molitor v. Kaneland Community Unit District No. 302 (1959), 18 Ill.2d 11 .

1981It would seem only fair and equitable to apply this judge-made law prospectively to causes of action arising after the issuance of the mandate in this case, June 8, 1981, as this court did in Skinner v. Reed-Prentice Division Package Machinery Co. (1977), 70 Ill. 2d 1 , Stevens v. Silver Manufacturing Co. (1977), 70 Ill. 2d 41 , Robinson v. International Harvester Co. (1977), 70 Ill. 2d 47 , Renslow v. Mennonite Hospital (1977), 67 Ill. 2d 348 , and Molitor v. Kaneland Community Unit District No. 302 (1959), 18 Ill. 2d 11 .

21978–1981
Maki v. Frelk green
illappct · 1967
2 sentences

1974This rule was carefully re-examined and upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court in Maki v. Frelk (1968) 40 Ill.2d 193 reversing the Appellate Court which had attempted to change the contributory negligence rule and adopt the comparative negligence doctrine. [ 85 Ill.App.2d 439 ] The law remains unchanged.

1974This rule was carefully re-examined and upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court in Maki v. Frelk (1968) 40 Ill.2d 193 , reversing the Appellate Court which had attempted to change the contributory negligence rule and adopt the comparative negligence doctrine. [ 85 Ill.App.2d 439 ] The law remains unchanged.

21974–1974
Martin v. City of Chicago green
illappct · 2023
1 sentence

2024This, together with the report of the trial proceedings, is sufficient for our examination of the issue. ¶ 24 The trial court had the discretion to decide what issues were raised by the evidence (Martin, 2023 IL App (1st) 221116, ¶ 18 ), and it found no evidence of contributory negligence.

12024–2024
Department of Law Enforcement v. Willis green
illappct · 1978
1 sentence

2014Willis, 61 Ill.

12014–2014
Strino v. Premier Healthcare Associates green
illappct · 2006
1 sentence

2009As the Strino court explained: “Because neither party submitted special interrogatories, we cannot determine from the general verdict whether any error in the contributory negligence instruction affected the verdict.” Strino, 365 Ill.

12009–2009
Turner v. Thompson green
illappct · 1981
2 sentences

1998See Belmar, 34 Ill.2d at 548 , 216 N.E.2d at 791 ; Turner, 102 Ill.App.3d at 842 , 58 Ill.Dec. 215 , 430 N.E.2d at 161 , citing 66 C.J.S.

1998See Belmar, 34 Ill. 2d at 548 , 216 N.E.2d at 791 ; Turner, 102 Ill.

11998–1998
Pfau v. Reynolds green
ill · 1870
11998–1998
David M. Swain & Son v. Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad neutral
ill · 1911
2 sentences

1998See McEniry, 254 Ill. at 100 , 98 N.E. at 227 ; Swain, 252 Ill. at 623-24 , 97 *1010 N.E. at 247-48; Pfau, 53 Ill. at 213 ; 4 F. Harper, F. James & O.

1998See McEniry, 254 Ill. at 100 , 98 N.E. at 227 ; Swain, 252 Ill. at 623-24 , 97 N.E. at 247-48; Pfau, 53 Ill. at 213 ; 4 F. Harper, F. James & O.

11998–1998
Pruett v. Norfolk & Western Railway Co. green
illappct · 1994
11995–1995
Wayne T. Wilson v. Burlington Northern, Inc., a Corporation green
ca8 · 1982
11993–1993
Norman D. Gish v. Csx Transportation, Inc. F/k/a Seaboard System Railroad, Inc. green
ca7 · 1989
11992–1992
Michalak v. County of La Salle green
illappct · 1984
11991–1991
Nelson v. Araiza green
ill · 1978
11987–1987
Urman v. Walter green
illappct · 1981
11985–1985
Marcin v. Kipfer green
illappct · 1983
11985–1985
Kokinis v. Kotrich green
ill · 1980
11985–1985
Coney v. J. L. G. Industries, Inc. green
ill · 1983
11984–1984
Fore v. Vermeer Manufacturing Co. green
illappct · 1972
11982–1982
Court v. Grzelinski green
ill · 1978
11982–1982
Molitor v. Kaneland Community Unit District No. 302 green
ill · 1959
11981–1981
Nga Li v. Yellow Cab Co. green
cal · 1975
11981–1981
Placek v. City of Sterling Heights green
mich · 1979
11981–1981
Nudd v. Matsoukas green
ill · 1956
11981–1981
United States v. Reliable Transfer Co. green
scotus · 1975
11981–1981
Scott v. Rizzo red
nm · 1981
11981–1981
Renslow v. Mennonite Hospital green
ill · 1977
11981–1981
Hoffman v. Jones green
fla · 1973
11981–1981
Kaatz v. State green
alaska · 1975
11981–1981
Stevens v. Silver Manufacturing Co. green
ill · 1978
11981–1981
Robinson v. International Harvester Co. green
ill · 1978
11981–1981
Williams v. Brown Manufacturing Co. green
ill · 1970
11980–1980
Swenson v. City of Rockford green
ill · 1956
11980–1980

Statutes the citing opinions construe

IL § 735 ILCS 5/2-616 (5) IL § 735 ILCS 5/2-615 (4) USC § 45u.s.c.51 (4) USC § 45u.s.c.53 (4) IL § 735 ILCS 5/2-1116 (3) IL § 735 ILCS 5/2-619 (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

MO 97 (1903–2024) CA 79 (1907–2026) IL 74 (1883–2024) LA 43 (1925–2024) IN 36 (1883–2023) MI 35 (1922–2026) KY 35 (1925–2022) NJ 34 (1976–2020) NY 33 (1887–2025) FL 32 (1930–2019) MD 31 (1910–2026) IA 31 (1903–2022) TN 30 (1964–2015) NC 29 (1900–2025) WA 29 (1931–2025) AZ 27 (1946–2025) AL 23 (1907–2024) DC 21 (1976–2021) NM 20 (1963–2021) PA 20 (1923–2025) TX 16 (1919–2018) OR 16 (1957–2022) SC 15 (1903–2011) MS 15 (1956–2018) CO 14 (1912–2016) WV 12 (1893–2017) OH 12 (1871–2024) VA 11 (1895–2024) GA 11 (1883–2009) MN 10 (1912–2006) CT 10 (1976–2014) WY 8 (1939–1994) UT 8 (1918–2018) NE 8 (1984–2003) WI 8 (1925–2015) SD 8 (1932–2009) KS 7 (1919–2017) AK 7 (1971–1991) MT 6 (1934–2008) OK 6 (1972–2026) HI 6 (1968–2008) MA 5 (1898–2007) ID 5 (1938–2021) VT 5 (1944–2025) AR 4 (1898–2001) NH 3 (1931–1984) DE 3 (1980–1995) ND 2 (1957–1970) ME 2 (1974–1984) RI 2 (1979–2004)

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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