The one-satisfaction rule is a common law principle that a plaintiff should only recover once for a particular injury, thereby preventing overcompensation of the plaintiff for their injury. Thus, a plaintiff who fully recovers from one tortfeasor may not recover more damages from a joint tortfeasor. Furthermore, a defendant may move to have a damage award reduced by any compensation the plaintiff has received for the same harm. For example, a non-settling defendant may be able to point to the settlement amount to reduce their potential liability. Additionally, if the jury awards multiple remedies for a single harm, the plaintiff might have to choose only one remedy.
[Last updated in July of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]