Navigating the legal world can feel like stepping into a foreign land with its own language. When you’re dealing with a personal injury case, understanding the legal jargon becomes crucial. At Hilton and Somer, we believe that empowering our clients with knowledge is as important as fighting for their rights.
- Negligence: This term forms the backbone of many personal injury cases. In simple terms, negligence refers to the failure to take proper care in doing something. For instance, if a driver runs a red light and causes an accident, they may be deemed negligent for disregarding traffic laws and endangering others.
- Damages: When we talk about damages in a personal injury case, we’re referring to the losses suffered by the injured party. These can be economic, such as medical bills and lost wages, or non-economic, like pain and suffering. Our goal is to help our clients receive fair compensation for all the damages they’ve endured due to someone else’s negligence.
- Liability: Liability simply means legal responsibility. In personal injury cases, determining liability involves identifying who was at fault for the accident or injury. This could be an individual, a company, or even a government entity. Proving liability is crucial for establishing a case and seeking compensation.
- Settlement: Many personal injury cases are resolved through a settlement before going to trial. A settlement is an agreement reached between the injured party and the responsible party (or their insurance company) to resolve the case without a court judgment. This can save time and resources while still ensuring fair compensation.
- Statute of Limitations: This term refers to the time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed after an injury occurs. Each state has its own statute of limitations for personal injury cases, ranging from one to six years. It’s important to act within this timeframe, as failing to do so can result in losing the right to seek compensation.
- Precedent: Precedent plays a significant role in how cases are decided. It refers to previous court decisions that are considered as a guide for similar cases in the future. When we argue that a case is similar to a precedent that resulted in a favorable outcome, we’re building a strong foundation for our client’s case.
- Discovery: This is the phase in a legal case where each party gathers evidence from the other side. It can include documents, witness statements, and other information relevant to the case. Discovery helps both sides understand the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments, often leading to informed negotiations.
- Contingency Fee: Many personal injury attorneys, including Hilton and Somer, work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we only get paid if we win the case or reach a settlement. It allows anyone, regardless of financial means, to access quality legal representation without upfront costs.
We hope this glimpse into the legal lexicon of personal injury cases has been enlightening. Our mission at Hilton and Somer goes beyond legal representation; we aim to empower our clients with knowledge and support every step of the way. Stay tuned for more insights and practical tips as we continue to demystify the legal process for you. Remember, understanding your rights is the first step towards justice.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have suffered an injury, don’t go through it alone. Help is available today. Get in touch with the Personal Injury Attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC today to discuss your case with one of our Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. Attorneys. You can contact us toll-free at (703) 560-0700.
References
American Bar Association. (n.d.). “Glossary of Basic Legal Terms.” Retrieved from: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/law_issues_for_consumers/glossary/
Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). “Negligence.” Retrieved from: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence
Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). “Damages.” Retrieved from: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/damages
Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). “Liability.” Retrieved from: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/liability
Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). “Settlement.” Retrieved from: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/settlement
Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). “Statute of Limitations.” Retrieved from: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/statute_of_limitations
Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). “Precedent.” Retrieved from: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/precedent
American Bar Association. (n.d.). “Discovery.” Retrieved from: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/law_issues_for_consumers/discovery/
American Bar Association. (n.d.). “Contingency Fees.” Retrieved from: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/law_issues_for_consumers/contingency_fees/
