Opinion ID: 428630
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Concurrent versus successive causation.

Text: 15 The Florida cases distinguish between concurrent and successive causation. The typical concurrent causation case involves two defendants whose acts occur at or about the same time and together produce plaintiff's injury. In this situation, Florida law clearly makes each of the defendants jointly and severally liable for the full amount of plaintiff's damages. De La Concha v. Pinero, 104 So.2d 25, 28 (Fla.1958). The typical successive causation case, on the other hand, involves two or more defendants whose acts occur at distinct times and together produce plaintiff's total injuries. Florida law apparently holds that in successive injury cases the jury should be allowed to apportion damages between the defendants; however, if damages are not reasonably apportionable, plaintiff may recover the full amount from either of the two defendants. Washewich v. LaFave, 248 So.2d 670, 672 (Fla.App.1971); Wise v. Carter, 119 So.2d 40 (Fla.App.1960). 16