What is the primary responsibility of joint tortfeasors in a negligence case?

In a negligence case involving joint tortfeasors, each party may be held liable for the entire damage caused by their collective actions. This principle is grounded in the concept of vicarious liability, where multiple parties contribute to a single injury or damage. The court may determine that, despite each party's individual level of fault, they are collectively responsible for the total harm inflicted. This means that a plaintiff can recover the full amount of damages from any one of the defendants, who then has the right to seek contribution from the other tortfeasors based on their respective share of liability.

This approach ensures that the injured party can receive compensation without the complications of proving the exact percentage of fault attributable to each tortfeasor. It simplifies the process for the plaintiff, as they do not have to pursue each defendant individually for their share of damages. Joint and several liabilities allow for more efficient recovery, but they also mean that defendants must manage the risk of being held responsible for the full amount, regardless of their individual contributions to the negligent act.

In contrast, the other choices suggest alternative responsibilities that do not align with the legal framework governing joint tortfeasors. Each being held liable only for their percentage of damage misunderstands the principle of joint