§ 10-6-7 - Effect of release of one tortfeasor on liability of others. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 10-6-7

   § 10-6-7  Effect of release of onetortfeasor on liability of others. – A release by the injured person of one joint tortfeasor, whether before orafter judgment, does not discharge the other tortfeasors unless the release soprovides; but reduces the claim against the other tortfeasors in the amount ofthe consideration paid for the release, or in any amount or proportion by whichthe release provides that the total claim shall be reduced, if greater than theconsideration paid.

   However, in circumstances where there are twenty-five (25) ormore deaths from a single occurrence, then a release by the injured person ofone joint tortfeasor given as part of a judicially approved good-faithsettlement, whether before or after judgment, does not discharge the othertortfeasors unless the release so provides but reduces the claim against theother tortfeasors in the amount of the consideration paid for the release.