2017 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 10 - Courts and civil procedure–Procedure in particular actions
Chapter 10-6 - Contribution Among Joint Tortfeasors
Section 10-6-7 - Effect of release of one tortfeasor on liability of others.
§ 10-6-7. Effect of release of one tortfeasor on liability of others.
A release by the injured person of one joint tortfeasor, whether before or after judgment, does not discharge the other tortfeasors unless the release so provides; but reduces the claim against the other tortfeasors in the amount of the consideration paid for the release, or in any amount or proportion by which the release provides that the total claim shall be reduced, if greater than the consideration paid.
However, in circumstances where there are twenty-five (25) or more deaths from a single occurrence, then a release by the injured person of one joint tortfeasor given as part of a judicially approved good-faith settlement, whether before or after judgment, does not discharge the other tortfeasors unless the release so provides but reduces the claim against the other tortfeasors in the amount of the consideration paid for the release.
History of Section.
(P.L. 1940, ch. 940, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 10-6-7; P.L. 2006, ch. 213, § 2.)
