Which defense bars a plaintiff's recovery for harm when the plaintiff voluntarily incurred the risk?

• A. Pure comparative negligence rule
• B. Last clear chance doctrine
• C. Contributory negligence
• D. Assumption-of-risk defense

Answer: (D)

Assumption of risk is the defense that bars recovery when the plaintiff knowingly and voluntarily encounters a dangerous condition and proceeds anyway. This can be shown in two ways: express, such as signing a waiver or agreeing to take part despite the risk; and implied, where the plaintiff’s actions demonstrate awareness of the danger and a choice to face it. Because the plaintiff chose to face the risk, there’s no basis to hold the defendant liable for injuries arising from that risk.

Contributory negligence and pure comparative negligence focus on the plaintiff’s own fault in causing the harm and typically don't completely bar recovery simply for voluntarily facing a risk. The last clear chance doctrine deals with who had the final opportunity to prevent harm, not with whether the plaintiff agreed to accept a risk.