Personal injury legal terms
Use these short definitions to follow a guide or prepare a question. They explain general concepts—not how a term applies to a specific situation.
13 terms
ClaimsClaim+
A request for payment or another resolution, often submitted to an insurer before or without a lawsuit.
Read the related guide →Court processComplaint+
A document that begins a civil lawsuit by stating the plaintiff’s allegations and requested relief.
Read the related guide →Lawyer feesContingency fee+
A fee arrangement in which the lawyer’s fee is tied to a recovery, subject to the written agreement and applicable rules.
Read the related guide →CompensationDamages+
A legal remedy measured in money for loss or harm that is proven and recoverable under applicable law.
Read the related guide →Court processDeposition+
Testimony given under oath before trial, commonly recorded by a court reporter as part of discovery.
Read the related guide →Court processDiscovery+
The formal pretrial process for exchanging relevant information, documents, and testimony.
Read the related guide →CompensationEconomic loss+
Financial loss that can be expressed in monetary terms, such as documented medical costs or lost earnings.
Read the related guide →ClaimsLiability+
Legal responsibility for conduct or harm; its elements and defenses depend on the claim and jurisdiction.
Read the related guide →ResolutionMediation+
A confidential or protected negotiation process in which a neutral mediator helps parties explore resolution.
Read the related guide →CompensationNon-economic loss+
Non-financial harm recognized by applicable law, which may include pain or loss of enjoyment of life.
Read the related guide →ResolutionRelease+
An agreement that gives up specified legal claims or rights; its exact wording and scope matter.
Read the related guide →DeadlinesStatute of limitations+
A law setting a time limit for filing a claim in court. The applicable period and exceptions depend on the facts and jurisdiction.
Read the related guide →InsuranceSubrogation+
A process through which an insurer or another payer may seek reimbursement from a responsible party or recovery.
Read the related guide →Definitions are general educational summaries. The controlling meaning may depend on a statute, policy, agreement, court rule, or jurisdiction.