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Injury
A wrong or tort. Injuries are divided into public and private; and they affect the. person, personal property, or real property.
Burden of proof
A party's job of convincing the decisionmaker in a trial that the party's version of the facts is true. In a civil trial, it means that the plaintiff must convince the judge or jury "by a preponderance of the evidence" that the plaintiff's version is true -- that is, over 50% of the believable evidence is in the plaintiff's favor.
Tinnitus Ear Ringing
Together with other abnormal ear noises, ear ringing is medically called tinnitus. Buzzing, roaring, and pulsitile sounds are sometimes perceived when no sound is present in persons with tinnitus.
Disfigurement
A technical term in workers' compensation cases for a serious and permanent scar to the head, neck, or face.
Years of Potential Life Lost
Years of potential life lost (YPLL) is a measure of premature mortality. YPLL is presented for persons under 75 years of age because the average life expectancy in the United States is over 75 years.
Gross Negligence
Negligence for the safety or lives of others which is so great it appears to be intentional.
General damages
Better known as "pain and suffering" damages, which include the emotional trauma from physical injuries, pain, humiliation, etc.
Defective product injury
When a product malfunctions due to a defect and causes serious personal injury, the law requires the manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer of the product to bear the losses caused by the defect in the product.
Vicarious Liability
When a person who did not actually cause an injury is held for the injury. Sometimes called imputed liability.
Contributory negligence
Broadly, carelessness on the plaintiff's part. More precisely, conduct which falls below the standard of care established by law for the protection of one's self against unreasonable risk of harm.
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