Which legal principle states that an individual may not claim compensation if they willingly put themselves in a dangerous situation?

The legal principle that states an individual may not claim compensation if they willingly put themselves in a dangerous situation is known as "volenti non fit injuria." This Latin phrase translates to "to a willing person, injury is not done," and is rooted in the concept of consent. Essentially, it implies that if a person voluntarily engages in an activity that carries inherent risks, they cannot later seek damages for any injuries sustained as a result of that activity, because they accepted the risk involved.

In practical terms, this principle is often applied in cases such as sporting events, where participants understand the potential dangers inherent in the activity, as well as in situations like motorcycle racing or extreme sports. If a participant agrees to take part in such activities, they are presumed to have accepted the associated risks.

The other options mentioned relate to different aspects of liability and negligence but do not encapsulate the specific principle of consent to risk that volenti non fit injuria represents. Negligence involves a breach of duty that causes harm to another party and focuses on the failure to act as a reasonable person would. Contributory negligence is about how a claimant’s own negligence contributes to their injury, affecting the damages awarded. Foreseeability deals with whether a harmful event was predictable