What does contributory negligence state about liability?

Contributory negligence is a legal doctrine that states if a person contributes to their own injury or damages, they may be barred from recovering compensation from another party who may also be at fault. This means that if someone is found to have played any role in causing their own damages—no matter how minor—they cannot hold another party liable for those damages. This principle emphasizes personal responsibility and encourages individuals to act with care to avoid being harmed.

The other options do not accurately reflect the concept of contributory negligence. For instance, the observation that liability is shared equally by both parties misrepresents how contributory negligence typically assigns fault. Additionally, suggesting that a party can never be liable if they were partially at fault contradicts the fundamental tenet of this doctrine. Lastly, proposing that liability is solely determined by the seconds leading to the incident oversimplifies the complexities involved in determining fault and liability. Thus, C most accurately captures the essence of contributory negligence regarding liability.