Indiana § 34-51-2-8 - Jury instructions; multiple defendants
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 34-51-2-8 — Jury instructions; multiple defendants, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-51-2-8. Jury instructions; multiple defendants
Sec. 8. (a) This section applies to an action based on fault that:
(1) is brought against two (2) or more defendants; and
(2) is tried to a jury.
(b) The court, unless all the parties agree otherwise, shall instruct the jury to determine its verdict in the following manner:
(1) The jury shall determine the percentage of fault of the claimant, of the defendants, and of any person who is a nonparty. The jury may not be informed of any immunity defense that might be available to a nonparty. In assessing percentage of fault, the jury shall consider the fault of all persons who caused or contributed to cause the alleged injury, death, or damage to property, tangible or intangible, regardless of whether the person was or could have been named as a party. The percentage of fault of parties to the action may total less than one hundred percent (100%) if the jury finds that fault contributing to cause the claimant's loss has also come from a nonparty or nonparties.
(2) If the percentage of fault of the claimant is greater than fifty percent (50%) of the total fault involved in the incident which caused the claimant's death, injury, or property damage, the jury shall return a verdict for the defendants and no further deliberation of the jury is required.
(3) If the percentage of fault of the claimant is not greater than fifty percent (50%) of the total fault, the jury shall then determine the total amount of damages the claimant would be entitled to recover if contributory fault were disregarded.
(4) The jury next shall multiply the percentage of fault of each defendant by the amount of damages determined under subdivision (3) and shall enter a verdict against each defendant (and such other defendants as are liable with the defendant by reason of their relationship to a defendant) in the amount of the product of the multiplication of each defendant's percentage of fault times the amount of damages as determined under subdivision (3).
[Pre-1998 Recodification Citation: 34-4-33-5(b).]
As added by P.L.1-1998, SEC.47.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 34-51-2-8
What does Indiana Code § 34-51-2-8 cover?
Section 34-51-2-8 ("Jury instructions; multiple defendants") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 34-51-2-8?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 34-51-2-8" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 34-51-2-8 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.