Every industry has specific terminology, and law is certainly no exception. Here are 15 common personal injury terms and brief definitions.
Personal injury: Any harm/damage to a person that occurs because of another party’s negligence or intentional actions.
Liability: Legal responsibility for actions or omissions that lead to harm or injury to another individual.
Negligence: A party’s failure to do something that reasonable members of society or their profession would expect them to do, resulting in harm to others.
Plaintiff: The individual who initiates a lawsuit to seek compensation for damages that occurred due to another party’s actions.
Defendant: The person or entity the lawsuit is filed against.
Tort: A civil wrong that results in harm or loss, leading to legal liability. Many personal injury cases fall under tort law.
Damages: Monetary compensation awarded to the injured party in a personal injury lawsuit. Damages cover medical expenses, lost wages, etc.
Compensation: Damages or financial recovery the injured party seeks to cover medical expenses and other losses resulting from the injury.
Settlement: An agreement reached between parties that resolves a legal dispute either before or during a trial. This typically involves a payment from the at-fault party to the injured party.
Statute of Limitations: Legal time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed after an injury occurs.
Wrongful Death: Survivors or heirs of an individual who died because of another party’s negligence or wrongful actions can file a wrongful death claim.
Assumption of Risk: Legal doctrine that states a person can’t recover damages for injuries that were suffered when they voluntarily exposed themselves to a known risk.
Deposition: A sworn, out-of-court testimony of a witness or individual involved in a lawsuit. This is typically conducted before a trial.
Expert Witness: A professional who has specialized knowledge or experience in a particular field may testify in court to help the judge and jury understand complicated issues.
Lien: Legal claim or right against a person’s property. This is often used by healthcare providers or insurers to recover unpaid medical expenses.
If you’re wondering whether you have a case or trying to navigate questions about personal injury law, the experts at Schuerman Law can help.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
