Wondering about the intricate legal terminology personal injury lawyers use to navigate cases and advocate for their clients? Here’s a glimpse into some common terms used frequently by personal injury lawyers:
1. Negligence: A central concept in personal injury law, negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person.
2. Liability: Liability assigns legal responsibility to a party for causing damage or personal injury due to negligence or intentional actions.
3. Damages: Refers to the financial compensation sought by the injured party for losses. Some examples include medical bills and lost wages.
4. Statute of Limitations: The period within which a lawsuit must be filed. If the statute of limitations expires, the party who had been injured may lose the right to pursue legal action.
5. Precedent: Past legal decisions or cases that serve as examples or guidelines for current cases.
6. Comparative Negligence: Some states use this doctrine to determine compensation when both parties share some fault. Compensation is reduced proportionally to the injured party’s contribution to the accident.
7. Settlement: An agreement between the parties involved in a legal dispute to resolve the case outside of court. It typically involves financial compensation.
8. Deposition: A formal, recorded interview conducted under oath as part of the discovery process, where parties can gather information and evidence.
9. Discovery: The phase of legal proceedings where both sides gather evidence, exchange information, and build their case.
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