What does the "collateral source rule" allow in Utah tort law?

The collateral source rule in Utah tort law permits a plaintiff to recover damages without taking into account any compensation the plaintiff may have received from external sources, such as insurance or government benefits. This means that even if the plaintiff has received payment from another source for their injuries or losses, those payments do not reduce the amount of damages that the plaintiff can pursue from the defendant in a tort action.

The rationale behind this rule is to ensure that defendants do not benefit from the fact that plaintiffs have secured compensation from other sources. The damages awarded are meant to fully compensate the injured party for their losses, placing the financial burden on the wrongdoer rather than on collateral sources that may provide assistance to the plaintiff.

This understanding clarifies why the other options do not align with the principles of the collateral source rule. The first option suggests a limitation on recovery based on other compensations, which conflicts with the premise of the rule. The third option posits that benefits from other sources would reduce damage recovery, which directly opposes the core tenet of the collateral source rule. Lastly, the fourth option implies a requirement to disclose alternative sources of income, which is not a necessary condition for pursuing damages under the rule. The rule is designed to protect the plaintiff's rights without