What is a "joint tortfeasor" in Louisiana civil procedure?

In Louisiana civil procedure, a "joint tortfeasor" refers to a party that shares liability for a tortious act. This concept arises in situations where multiple parties contribute to the harm caused to a plaintiff through their negligent or wrongful actions. Each joint tortfeasor can be held liable for the entirety of the damage, even if one party was more responsible than others. This principle is rooted in the idea of collective responsibility for tortious conduct.

The law allows plaintiffs to seek recovery from any or all joint tortfeasors for the full amount of damages, which is significant for ensuring that injured parties are fully compensated. This framework recognizes that the actions of multiple defendants can collectively cause harm, and it provides a mechanism for holding those parties accountable.

In contrast, other answer choices refer to concepts that do not relate to joint tortfeasors. An individual involved in a contract breach pertains to contract law rather than tort law. A victim of negligence is the party who has suffered harm, and a legal representative for the plaintiff describes an attorney or legal counsel, rather than a tortfeasor. By understanding the context and definitions surrounding joint tortfeasors, one can better grasp the interconnectedness of liability in tort cases within Louisiana civil procedure