Torts
Joint and Several Liability
Definition
Joint and several liability is a doctrine that holds each defendant individually liable for the full amount of the plaintiff's damages, regardless of that defendant's proportionate share of fault. The plaintiff may collect the entire judgment from any one defendant, and that defendant must then seek contribution from the other defendants. Many jurisdictions have modified or abolished joint and several liability through tort reform legislation, replacing it with proportionate liability.
Example
Two manufacturers produce a defective component. Under joint and several liability, the plaintiff can collect 100% of the damages from either manufacturer.