Familiar Terms for Discussing a Personal Injury Case

If you suffer a personal injury as a result of another person’s negligence, there are common terms to be familiar with in filing a claim.

Personal injuries can occur due to any number of causes. When they happen as a result of another’s actions, the Law Office of Raúl A. Guajardo, P.L.L.C. is here to help. We can guide you in seeking compensation through an insurance company or personal injury lawsuit. The following are some of the terms you are likely to encounter when filing these types of claims.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim Based on Negligence

Situations resulting in personal injuries are often referred to as accidents, but the fact is that the reckless and negligent actions of others are often to blame. Negligence is a legal term that describes a situation in which someone took actions that endangered another or failed to take reasonable precautions that could have prevented injuries from occurring. Negligence is at the heart of personal injury claims and may entitle you to compensation through an insurance company settlement or personal injury lawsuit.

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) provides a glossary of terms used by insurance companies. In situations such as car accidents and slips, falls, or other injuries that occur on another’s property, you may be entitled to compensation through a third-party claim. This is a claim filed against the at fault party’s insurance policy. If an insurance policy is not in place or the amount offered as a settlement fails to cover your losses, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Terms Used in Personal Injury Lawsuits

If another person’s negligent actions leave you suffering personal injuries, our attorneys can guide you in filing a claim through the Hidalgo County Court system. Terms you are likely to hear during this process include:

● Plaintiff: This is the person filing the claim;

● Defendant: This is the person a claim is filed against;

● Damages: This refers to the losses you suffer, which include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering;

● Liability: This refers to the legal responsibility that the at-fault party has in causing your damages and in their obligation to compensate you for your losses;

● Complaint: This is a legal document filed with the court which states what happened, the parties involved, and the compensation you are seeking;

● Prayer for relief: This refers to the total amount of damages you are seeking in your claim;

● Statutes of limitation: This refers to the amount of time you have for filing a lawsuit;

● Contributory negligence: These are actions you may have taken which contributed to the accident but do not prevent you from filing a claim.

Get Legal Guidance from Our Edinburg, TX Personal Injury Attorney

When personal injuries happen, the Law Office of Raúl A. Guajardo, P.L.L.C. can guide you in the best course of action to get the compensation you need to recover. To discuss the specific details in your case, contact our Edinburg, TX personal injury attorney today.