Legal Terms
Legal paperwork uses specific words that mean specific things. This glossary defines them in everyday language and shows why each one matters inside an injury claim.
Causation
Causation is the link between the defendant's conduct and the injured person's harm.
Read the guide 2 min · GuideClaim Adjuster
The insurance company employee (or contractor) who investigates and evaluates your claim.
Read the guide 3 min · GuideComparative Fault
Comparative fault reduces an injured person's recovery when they were also partly at fault.
Read the guide 3 min · GuideDamages
'Damages' is the legal word for the money a court can order to make up for a loss.
Read the guide 3 min · GuideDemand Letter
A demand letter formally asks the insurer for a specific settlement amount, supported by evidence of the claim.
Read the guide 3 min · GuideEvidence
Evidence is any information presented to prove what happened. In an injury case, paper evidence usually beats memory.
Read the guide 2 min · GuideLiability
Liability is legal responsibility — the obligation to pay for harm someone else suffered.
Read the guide 3 min · GuideNegligence
Negligence is the legal theory behind most injury claims — failing to act as a reasonably careful person would have.
Read the guide 2 min · GuideSettlement
A settlement is an agreement to resolve a claim for a specific amount, in exchange for a release of liability.
Read the guide 3 min · GuideStatute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the deadline for filing a lawsuit. Miss it and the claim is usually gone forever.
Read the guide 2 min · GuideTort
A tort is a civil wrong that causes harm — the legal family that personal injury law belongs to.
Read the guide 4 min · GuideWhat Is Duty of Care? Meaning, Breach and Examples
Duty of care is a legal responsibility to take appropriate care toward others. Learn how duty differs from breach, causation and damages, with a court source.
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