The bill amends Section 9-20-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 9-20, which pertains to decisions, special findings, and the assessment of damages in personal injury cases. The key change is the addition of the doctrine of assumption of risk, which states that in actions for personal injuries, death, or property damage, the fact that the injured party may have assumed the risk of injury and/or death will be considered. This will not bar recovery, but any damages awarded will be reduced in proportion to the negligence attributed to the injured party or property owner. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage.
Statutes affected: 3190: 9-20-4