Opinion ID: 2161499
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Third-Party Complaint for Contribution

Text: On their cross-appeal the Purwins contend that Robertson's third-party action for contribution is barred by the doctrine of parental immunity. We hold that the action is not barred and find it unnecessary to address the question of the extent to which parental privilege or immunity should be given application. [7] [A]n enforceable right of contribution among unintentional joint tort-feasors is an equitable right founded upon acknowledged principles of natural justice. Packard v. Whitten, 274 A.2d 169, 179 (Me. 1971). There is no reason to require an unintentional joint tort-feasor to bear a greater share of the total damages than the proportion caused by his fault. Id. at 180; Otis Elevator Co. v. F.W. Cunningham & Sons, 454 A.2d 335, 340 (Me.1983). We have allowed, therefore, a third-party action for contribution from a joint tort-feasor husband who, because of the concept of interspousal immunity, could not be directly sued by the injured wife. Bedell v. Reagan, 159 Me. 292, 192 A.2d 24 (1963). See also Otis Elevator Co., 454 A.2d at 340 (a joint tort-feasor directly liable for the injury of another may seek contribution from another joint tort-feasor whose fault also caused the injury of the other, but was not legally liable to that person because ... his fault was not greater than that of the injured person). We see no reason in this case to depart from the principle of an equitable right to contribution among unintentional joint tort-feasors. Cf. Walker v. Milton, 263 La. 555, 268 So.2d 654 (1972) (a statutory prohibition against an unemancipated minor child suing a parent does not bar a third-party action against the parent for contribution). Accordingly, we hold the court properly denied the dismissal of the third-party complaint against the Purwins and granted the motion to strike the Purwins' affirmative defense of parental immunity. The entry is: Judgment affirmed. All concurring.