Injuries have become a typical instance in several people’s lives. It can become challenging to predict where and when damage can occur. There are several types of injuries. However, most injuries fall under personal injury. While personal injuries can range in severity, it will be in your best interest to seek medical help as soon as you face an injury.
Besides, personal injuries can result from someone else’s negligence. Hiring an attorney if you have been injured in Los Angeles will be beneficial. When you decide to build a legal case against a party for personal injury, there are some standard terms you must be familiar with.
You must know standard terms about a personal injury case:
- Defendant
A defendant is generally the responsible party for an accident or personal injury. The entity that caused injuries and damages is called the defendant. The plaintiff files a complaint against the defendant. As a result, the defendant is any person allegedly liable for the plaintiff’s injuries or damages.
- Plaintiff
A plaintiff is generally referred to as the one or multiple parties filing the lawsuit. For example, if you file a complaint and lodge a legal case after being injured against the defendant, you will be known as the defendant. Another example can be when you slip and fall in a grocery store. You will most likely file a lawsuit against the grocery store owner as the plaintiff.
- Complaint
Before the plaintiff initiates a lawsuit against the defendant, a complaint is filed within a court. A personal injury complaint formally expresses the plaintiff or victim’s grievances. You should hire a lawyer before you file a complaint in court.
- Prayer for Relief
When a plaintiff is injured, they will likely consult medical help and go to a hospital for further treatment. In such cases, expenses will arise. Similarly, the complaint includes a prayer of relief section, which defines an estimate or exact amount and other information regarding how much money the plaintiff needs to treat their injuries.
- Answer
While the plaintiff gets a chance to file a complaint, defendants can file a formal answer in contrast to the complaint. The response from the defendant is generally served to the plaintiff and the court.
- Statute of limitations
The statute of limitations is the period or deadline for the plaintiff to file the lawsuit and claim damages. The statute of limitations can vary from each legal case depending on the circumstances. It can also vary based on negligence.