DocketXDocketX / Glossary / several liability
Several Liability
Several liability means you are only responsible for your own share of the harm, not anyone else's share.
What it actually is
In a lawsuit against multiple defendants, several liability limits each defendant's obligation to the specific portion of damages attributed to that defendant's own conduct. It appears when a court divides fault among parties and orders each to pay only their assigned percentage. This contrasts with joint liability, where any one defendant can be forced to pay the entire amount.
Why it matters in your case
If you are sued with others, several liability protects you from being pursued for the full judgment when others cannot pay. It also means the plaintiff must collect from each defendant separately for that defendant's share, making the allocation of fault central to the case.
The common misunderstanding
People often confuse several liability with joint and several liability, where a single defendant can be required to pay everything and then seek contributions from others. Several liability does not carry that risk.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.