Ill. Pattern Jury Instr. (Civil) 45.00

INTRODUCTION

The following instructions and related verdict forms are for illustrative purposes only. In

drawing verdict forms, care must be taken to ensure that they cover every possible finding the

jury may make.

Additional verdict forms specific to particular topics are to be found in other chapters.

SPECIAL NOTE ON USE

The following notes and instructions were drafted prior to the amendment of 735 ILCS

5/2-1117, which became effective 6/4/03. This amendment should be considered when utilizing

the following instructions and notes.

B45.01 Instruction on Use of Verdict Forms—

Negligence Only--Single Plaintiff and

Defendant

When you retire to the jury room you will first select a foreperson. He or she will preside

during your deliberations.

Your verdict must be unanimous.

Forms of verdicts are supplied with these instructions. After you have reached your

verdict, fill in and sign the appropriate form of verdict and return it to the court. Your verdict

must be signed by each of you. You should not write or mark upon this or any of the other

instructions given to you by the court.

If you find for [plaintiff's name] and against [defendant's name] and if you further find

that [plaintiff's name] was not contributorily negligent, then you should use Verdict Form A.

If you find for [plaintiff's name] and against [defendant's name] and if you further find

that [plaintiff's name]'s injury was proximately caused by a combination of [defendant's name]'s

negligence and [plain tiff's name]'s contributory negligence and that [plaintiff's name]'s

contributory negligence was 50% or less of the total proximate cause of the injury or damage for

which recovery is sought, then you should use Verdict Form B.

If you find for [defenda nt's name] and against [plaintiff's name], or if you find that

plaintiff's contributory negligence was more than 50% of the total proximate cause of the injury

or damage for which recovery is sought, then you should use Verdict Form C.