CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE: A SERIES OF THREE WEBINARS THAT LOOK AT THE LAW AND PRACTICE IN DETAIL

Contributory negligence is one of the “Cinderella” subjects of legal practice.  It is often alleged and often conceded.  However the underlying principles that the courts apply are rarely looked at, let alone systematically.  This is an important area because – most defendants being insured – it is the only area where a victim actually pays for their negligence.  The aim of this series is to equip practitioners with a full working knowledge of the law and practice relating to contributory negligence. Firstly the principles of general application and then looking at how they are applied in two specific circumstances – road traffic cases and accidents at work.

“It is very easy for a judge with the advantage of hindsight to identify some act on the part of the employee which would have avoided the accident occurring. That in itself does not demonstrate negligence on the part of the employee. As Lord Tucker put it in Staveley Iron & Chemical Co Ltd v Jones[1956] AC 627 at 648, one must avoid treating every risky act by an employee due to familiarity with the work or some inattention resulting from noise or strain as contributory negligence’.

(Cooper v Carillion [2003] EWCA Civ 181.)

Contributory negligence: The law, practice and special cases: 17th November 2025

Booking details available here.

This webinar looks at the law relating to contributory negligence, the legislation and the key cases.

It then looks at the rules relating to procedure and how contributory negligence should be pleaded, the evidence required and how these matters are dealt with at trial.

It considers allegations of contributory negligence made in clinical negligence cases; assault and more generally.

Contributory negligence in road traffic cases: Do all roads lead to Froom?: 19th November 2025

This webinar looks at the most common kind of allegations made in road traffic cases.

Booking details are available here.

• Failure to wear seat belts
• Failure to wear motorcycle or cycle helmets
• Contributory negligence on the part of a driver
• Knowledge of a driver’s incapacity
• Contributory negligence and pedestrians

The webinar also looks at allegations of negligence made against parents when a child passenger is not properly restrained, or where it is alleged the parent should have taken more care.

Contributory negligence and accidents at work – Not every risky act is contributory negligence: 1st December 2025

Booking details are available here.

Allegations of contributory negligence when injured whilst at work are subject to very particular guidance as to the approach that judges should take.

This webinar looks at the case law in detail.

• The approach the court’s should take to allegations in employer’s liability cases
• Cases where findings of contributory negligence have been overturned on appeal
• Cases where contributory negligence has been found and the reasons for this