Jones v Livox Quarries [1952] 2 QB 608

Court of Appeal

Basic Facts: X hitched a ride on the back of a lorry against orders. The lorry stopped, and a dumper collided with it, injuring X. 

Issue: How does contributory negligence affect a claim? 

Held: D was liable but C was held to be 20% to blame under the Law Reform (Contributory Negligence) Act 1945

• Singleton LJ: C’s contributory negligence (hitching a ride) was a lack of reasonable care, contributing to the injury. Thus, damages should be reduced. 

• Denning LJ: C’s negligence was intertwined with the cause of the injury, so damages should be reduced accordingly.