| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| ALLEGE |
To claim that something is true. |
| ANSWER (Legal) |
The paper filed in the Court by the Defendant's lawyers stating their defense to your claims. |
| ARBITRATION |
A different way of resolving a dispute. This usually refers to the way no-fault insurance conflicts are solved. The attorneys choose a neutral third person who will listen to evidence and make a decision regarding who should pay medical or other disputed expenses. |
| ATTORNEY |
Another word for lawyer. |
| CAUSE OF ACTION |
The legal claim for damages against the defendant. One accident may give rise to multiple causes of action depending on the basis for liability. |
| CLAIMANT |
The person making a claim. This usually the same person as the Plaintiff. |
| DAMAGES |
The loss, in money, that the Plaintiff claims he or she should be awarded. Only after we prove that the Defendant is liable are we entitle to ask for money damages. |
| DEFENDANT |
The person or company against whom a lawsuit is begun. |
| DEPOSITION |
Testimony, under oath, given before a court reporter during the course of the lawsuit. This is usually done in a lawyer's office. Anyone, a plaintiff, a defendant, or a witness, may be deposed. It allows one side to find out exactly what the other side intends to prove. |
| INDEPDENDENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION (IME) |
This term is deceiving. An IME is really an adverse examination by a doctor hired by the other side to testify on their behalf. He will usually attempt to minimize the claimant's injuries or blame them on something other than the accident involved in the case. |
| INTERROGATORIES |
Written questions submitted by one side to the other which must be answered under oath. Interrogatories usually ask specific questions on the facts of the case. |
| JUDGMENT |
The final decree which ends a part, or all of a lawsuit. |
| LEGAL ASSISTANT/PARALEGAL |
A person on our staff who has special skills in helping us handle your lawsuit. |
| Legal Words & Phrases |
Many of the words and phrases lawyers use are not familiar. Some of them are defined here, so you may understand what your lawyer is talking about. If during our representation you hear any other words and phrases you do not understand, do not hesitate to ask your lawyer to explain them to you. |
| TO FILE/FILING |
The physical act of taking the pleadings to the Courthouse and depositing them with the Clerk of Courts. |
