What is the legal defense known as that prevents recovery of damages if the plaintiff accepted risks associated with an activity?

The legal defense that prevents recovery of damages when a plaintiff has accepted the risks associated with an activity is known as "assumption of risk." This concept is rooted in the understanding that individuals who voluntarily engage in certain activities are aware of the inherent risks and dangers involved and are therefore accountable for their decision to participate. By acknowledging and accepting these risks, the plaintiff typically waives their right to seek compensation for any injuries or damages incurred as a result of those risks.

This defense is commonly applied in various settings, including sports and recreational activities, where participants understand that certain hazards are part of the experience. The underlying principle is that if people choose to engage in activities where they know there are dangers, they cannot later claim for injuries arising from those known risks.

The other terms mentioned relate to different legal concepts. Negligence involves a failure to exercise appropriate care, comparative negligence refers to the contribution of negligence from both parties in determining liability, and strict liability pertains to holding a party responsible for damages without proving fault, typically in product liability cases. These concepts do not share the same focus on the plaintiff's acceptance of risks as a defense to liability.