Rhode Island · Comparative Negligence

Rhode Island Comparative Negligence Rule

Rhode Island follows a pure comparative rule under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4. Recovery is allowed at any percentage of fault. Damages are reduced in direct proportion to the claimant's share.

Updated 2026-05-22 · See all 50 states

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Key facts: Rhode Island

Rule type: Pure comparative
Max fault to recover: No cap (99%)
How recovery works: Recovery is allowed at any percentage of fault. Damages are reduced in direct proportion to the claimant's share.
Last verified: 2026-05-22
Source type: Primary (state statute)

Details for Rhode Island

Pure comparative negligence by statute; damages are diminished in proportion to the claimant’s fault with no percentage bar.

Related: Rhode Island statute of limitations

Rhode Island gives you 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b).

See the full Rhode Island statute of limitations →

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 Rhode Island attorney before relying on it.

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Rhode Island Comparative Negligence FAQ

What comparative negligence rule does Rhode Island follow?

Rhode Island follows a pure comparative rule under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4. Claimant can recover at any percentage of fault; damages are reduced proportionally. Recovery is allowed at any percentage of fault. Damages are reduced in direct proportion to the claimant's share.

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

Yes. Rhode Island uses pure comparative negligence, so you can recover damages even if you were mostly at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

How does this affect settlement negotiations in Rhode Island?

Insurance adjusters argue percentage of fault to reduce what they pay. Because Rhode Island is a pure-comparative state, even a contested-liability case has settlement value; the only question is the size of the discount.

What is the personal injury statute of limitations in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island gives you 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b).

Where can I read the actual rule?

The controlling authority is R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4. The full text is available at https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE9/9-20/9-20-4.HTM.

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