When can a tortfeasor seek contribution from another tortfeasor?

A tortfeasor can seek contribution from another tortfeasor when one tortfeasor has paid more than their fair share of a judgment or settlement related to a claim for damages. Contribution is a legal principle that allows a party who has been held liable for a tortious act to pursue other parties who share in that liability, thereby distributing the financial responsibility equitably among all parties involved.

In scenarios where multiple tortfeasors are liable for the same injury, one may pay the full amount to the injured party and then seek a contribution from the others based on the proportions of their relative fault or liability. This ensures that the parties responsible for the harm share the financial burden in a fair manner, addressing the inequity that arises when one party bears an undue share of liability.

The other options do not accurately reflect the legal principles governing contribution. For example, having a shared liability for the same act is necessary but not a standalone condition for seeking contribution. Similarly, a finding of guilt in a criminal case is irrelevant, as contribution applies to civil liability rather than criminal liability. Finally, a written agreement is not a prerequisite for seeking contribution; the right arises from the nature of the tortious conduct and the liabilities created by it. Therefore