Opinion ID: 1948151
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Joint Tort-feasor Credit Persons Jointly Liable In Tort

Text: The sole issue before this Court is whether the judgment rendered against the Medical Center should be deemed satisfied by reason of the credit provided for in the Delaware Uniform Contribution Law. 10 Del.C. § 6304(a). Section 6304(a) provides: A release by the injured person of one joint tort-feasor, whether before or after judgment, does not discharge the other tort-feasor unless the release so provides; but reduces the claim against the other tort-feasors in the amount of the consideration paid for the release, or in any amount or proportion by which the release provides that the total claim shall be reduced, if greater than the consideration paid. Id. The credit provided for in the Delaware Uniform Contribution Law is applicable exclusively to joint tort-feasors. Id. Consequently, the dispositive question in this appeal is whether Dr. Vakili is a joint tort-feasor within the meaning of the Delaware Uniform Contribution Law. See 10 Del.C. § 6301. If Dr. Vakili is a joint tortfeasor, then the Medical Center is entitled to the full benefit of the credit provided for in the Release. 10 Del.C. § 6304(a). If, however, Dr. Vakili is not a joint tort-feasor, then the Medical Center has no right to that credit. Id. The Delaware Uniform Contribution Law defines joint tort-feasor as two or more persons jointly or severally liable in tort for the same injury to person or property, whether or not judgment has been recovered against all or some of them. 10 Del.C. § 6301. Since the language of the release stated that its terms were intended to be consistent with the Delaware Uniform Contribution Law, [1] the Medical Center was required to demonstrate Dr. Vakili's joint tortfeasor status (i.e., that he was jointly liable in tort for the Mullins' injuries), as a prerequisite to claiming the credit provided for by Section 6304(a). [2]