Connecticut · Comparative Negligence

Connecticut Comparative Negligence Rule

Connecticut follows a modified 51% bar rule under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-572h. Recovery is allowed when the claimant's share of fault is 50% or less, and barred when it exceeds that threshold.

Updated 2026-05-22 · See all 50 states

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Key facts: Connecticut

Rule type: Modified 51% bar
Max fault to recover: 50%
How recovery works: Recovery is allowed when the claimant's share of fault is 50% or less, and barred when it exceeds that threshold.
Last verified: 2026-05-22
Source type: Primary (state statute)

Details for Connecticut

Modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar; the plaintiff is barred only when fault is "greater than" the combined fault of defendants. A 50/50 split still allows half recovery.

Related: Connecticut statute of limitations

Connecticut gives you 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584.

See the full Connecticut statute of limitations →

Related: car accident settlements by state

Fault rules like this one change what the same crash pays from state to state. Compare average car accident settlements, fault rules, and filing deadlines side by side.

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This page is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Some categories (medical negligence, governmental defendants) follow different rules. Confirm the controlling rule with a licensed Connecticut attorney before relying on it.

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Connecticut Comparative Negligence FAQ

What comparative negligence rule does Connecticut follow?

Connecticut follows a modified 51% bar rule under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-572h. Claimant barred when fault is greater than 50% (the 51% rule). Recovery is allowed when the claimant's share of fault is 50% or less, and barred when it exceeds that threshold.

Can I still recover if I was partly at fault for the accident in Connecticut?

Yes, up to a point. In Connecticut you can recover when your share of fault is 50% or less. Once you cross that threshold, you are barred from recovering anything at all.

How does this affect settlement negotiations in Connecticut?

Insurance adjusters argue percentage of fault to reduce what they pay. Because Connecticut bars recovery once fault exceeds 50%, even a small dispute about percentage can swing settlement value dramatically. Crossing the bar means zero recovery.

What is the personal injury statute of limitations in Connecticut?

Connecticut gives you 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584.

Where can I read the actual rule?

The controlling authority is Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-572h. The full text is linked in the Key Facts section above.

See comparative negligence rules for all 51 covered states