Legal Terms In Personal Injury Claims

Each year, tens of millions of accidents occur throughout the United States, such as rear-end collisions and falls down the stairs. Jed Dietrich, Esq., understands that you may face physical, psychological, and financial troubles. We may be able to seek monetary compensation for all of your damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Many of our clients become overwhelmed with the new terms they encounter during the duration of their injury claims. Understanding relevant words and phrases can help reduce your stress level. Below, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s attorneys have defined some important personal injury legal terms that our clients frequently ask about:

1. Negligence: Most injury claims are based on the legal theory of negligence. Negligence involves a breach of the duty of care or a failure to act reasonably to avoid causing an unnecessary injury. 
2. Causation: An element needed to prove a defendant’s negligence. Causation pertains to a causal link between the defendant’s conduct and the plaintiff’s injuries. This element provides a critical means of connecting the defendant’s specific action(s) with its impact on the victim. 
3. Discovery: Commonly known as the fact-finding stage of a case, discovery allows both parties to examine one another’s claims and defenses. Requests for admissions, interrogatories, depositions, and requests for the production of documents are some of the most common discovery methods used in lawsuits.
4. Loss of Consortium: This term relates to the deprivation of the benefits of a family relationship because of injuries endured in an accident. 
5. Expert Witnesses: Expert witnesses often play crucial roles when litigating cases in court. These witnesses are specialists who provide opinions and testimony on their particular areas of expertise. When preparing a case for trial, we commonly consult with medical experts, accident reconstruction experts, economic experts, mental health experts, manufacturing experts, and vocational rehabilitation experts. 
6. Strict Liability: This legal doctrine holds a person or entity accountable for a victim’s damages even when that party is not at fault. In other words, defendants in strict liability cases can still be held responsible even if they used reasonable care. Common types of injury claims involving strict liability include product liability claims, dog bite injuries, and inherently dangerous activities. 
7. Statute of Limitations: After your accident, you only have a limited time to file your claim. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations (SOL). It is like a countdown, and your claim will be considered time-barred when your time runs out.
8. Mediation: This is the most common type of alternative dispute resolution. Mediation is a voluntary process in which the plaintiff and defendant meet with a neutral third party called a mediator. The mediator tries to help both sides reach a mutually agreeable settlement. 

Are You Looking For A Highly Qualified Personal Injury Attorney? 

Insurance companies and liable parties have paid Jed Dietrich, Esq. at least $1,000,000.00 or more 44 times to compensate his clients. Please contact the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. anytime at 716-839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form for your free, no-obligation consultation and case assessment. Our lawyers take all claims on a contingency fee basis, so you only have to pay after we secure your compensation.