Rhode Island § 9-20-4 - Decisions, Special Findings and Assessment of Damages

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 9-20-4 — Decisions, Special Findings and Assessment of Damages, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9-20-4. Decisions, Special Findings and Assessment of Damages

R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4

§ 9-20-4. Comparative negligence.

In all actions hereafter brought for personal injuries, or where personal injuries have resulted in death, or for injury to property, the fact that the person injured, or the owner of the property or person having control over the property, may not have been in the exercise of due care or the fact that the danger or defect was open and obvious shall not bar a recovery, but damages shall be diminished by the finder of fact in proportion to the amount of negligence attributable to the person injured, or the owner of the property or the person having control over the property.

History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 206, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 256, § 1.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 9-20-4

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 9-20-4 cover?

Section 9-20-4 ("Decisions, Special Findings and Assessment of Damages") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island § 9-20-4?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 9-20-4" (Rhode Island). 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 Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 9-20-4 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.