Which doctrine describes a negligence defense based on the plaintiff having the last opportunity to avoid harm and failing to do so?

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

Answer: (D)

Last clear chance describes a negligence principle where liability can attach to the defendant if the plaintiff had the final opportunity to avoid the harm and failed to do so. The idea is that even if the plaintiff was negligent, the party who had the last chance to prevent the injury should bear responsibility if that chance was not used. In practice, if the defendant’s negligence created a risk and the plaintiff could have escaped the danger at the last moment but didn’t, the defendant can still be found liable. This specific focus on the last opportunity to avert harm distinguishes it from other doctrines such as assumption of risk, res ipsa loquitur, or pure comparative negligence.