Common Terms In A Personal Injury Case | Eisenberg Law

Common Terms You'll Hear In A Personal Injury Case

Personal injury cases are complex and time-consuming in the best of situations. To make matters even more complicated, they can be difficult to understand if you don't have a legal background. Judges and lawyers will toss terms back and forth as they discuss a case, present evidence, or question witnesses. That doesn't mean you'll understand what is going on.
To help promote understanding of your personal injury case, we've developed this primer on common terms you may hear as your case moves through the legal system. We hope it will help you better understand what's going on and give you more confidence in your legal situation.

Common Personal Injury Legal Terms

• Complaint. Complaint is another term for the lawsuit. To pursue a lawsuit, you'll file a personal injury complaint with the court clerk, pay filing fees, and then begin the lawsuit process. Complaints contain specific information, including details about the incident, a demand for compensation, and a request for a trial.
• Plaintiff.  The plaintiff is the person who files the lawsuit. If multiple people have been injured in the same instance, there may be multiple plaintiffs.
• Defendant. The defendant is the one who is being sued. When a plaintiff files a lawsuit, he or she must identify whom they believe is responsible for the plaintiff's injury or damages. If more than one person or organization is responsible, several defendants may be named.
• Party.  Party is a generic, non-specific identifier used to refer to either the defendant, the plaintiff, or other included person or entity.
• Negligence. Negligence is a term that is used to describe a situation when someone fails to act in the way the law requires them to act. Failing to act with prudence and care can cause injury to others and may lead to a personal injury lawsuit. Proving negligence is central to winning a personal injury lawsuit.
• Damages. Damages refers to money that is asked for or awarded in a personal injury lawsuit.
• Torts And Tortfeasors. A tort is a wrong that has been committed against a plaintiff. A tort refers to a specific type of lawsuit involving one person committing a civil harm against another. A tortfeasor is another name for the person who caused the other person's injuries (the defendant), or who performed the act that lead to the lawsuit.

Let Eisenberg Law Assist You In Your Personal Injury Case
The services of a personal injury attorney are essential to securing an optimal outcome in any personal injury lawsuit. These situations can be trying and difficult to prove, even when the evidence seems straightforward. The personal injury attorney's at Madison's Eisenberg Law Office have experience in a wide variety of personal injury situations from car accidents to medical malpractice to slip and fall situations. We work with clients throughput Wisconsin and have extensive experience representing plaintiffs who are trying to collect from insurance companies.
To discuss your personal injury case with one of our attorneys, contact us at 608-256-8356 or email Info@EisenbergLaw.org.
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