Legal Dictionary

Legal Dictionary

There are a plethora of legal terms involved in your case. Our legal dictionary helps define terms that can become confusing from A-Z.

Satisfy

To pay a debt or claim.

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Settlement

An resolution between two parties in a case.  Generally a settlement involves one party foregoing litigation or stopping current litigation in exchange for a price.  In the context of personal injury, a settlement usually involves payment from a defendant to a plaintiff, and the plaintiff agrees to release the defendant from further liability.  

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Standard of Care

Acting as a reasonable person. Ordinarily, the standard of care owed to a plaintiff under tort law is “acting in a manner a reasonably prudent person would use in the same situation.” Children (18 and under): the law evaluates on a reduced level and considers a child of the same age and intellect. Children (18 and […]

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Standing

Standing means that a plaintiff has the right to pursue a legal remedy because they have suffered actual damages.  A court will dismiss a claim if a plaintiff “lacks standing.”

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Statute of Limitations

The period of time a plaintiff is able to file a lawsuit. This time period varies depending on the type of claim and area of law the plaintiff is pursuing. Example: The court will not allow a plaintiff to file a claim once the statute of limitations has expired.

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Strict Liability

A defendant may be held strictly liable for negligence if a plaintiff is injured by (i) an ultra-hazardous activity, so dangerous the activity is subject to strict regulation and licensing requirements; or in some cases (ii) activities of a defendant involving dangerous or exotic animals.

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Subrogate

To substitute one thing for another. Subrogation is common insurance law where a lawful claim may sometimes be substituted from one person to another.

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Survival Claim

A type of action brought by a person on behalf of a descendant’s estate, typically a child, spouse, or loved one. A survival claim is a legal claim that would have been brought prior to the death of the defendant and can be filed by family members or the executor of the estate.

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Case Results

  • $500,000: Auto Accident
  • $640,000: Accidental Electrocution
  • $2,650,000: Vehicle Rollover Accident
  • $1,475,000: Highway 50 Auto/Truck Collision
  • $725,000: Auto Accident by car running stop sign; multiple blunt force injuries resulting in death
  • $1,725,000: Auto/Truck Collision
  • $3,000,000: Insurance Bad Faith Claim
  • $8,600,000: Auto Accident Judgment

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Testimonials

Donna C

Amazing staff! Thank you for all the hard work during difficult times.

NW

Friendly Staff, quick responses to inquiries.

Constance O.

I felt my case was handled with the utmost care and efficiency.  Thank you for all your hard work on my behalf.

Tracy W.

I was very thankful that Patterson Legal Group took care of things so I didn’t have to.  They fought for me and I was able to get the most out of my settlement.  The most helpful thing was when they explained all of the legal terms and the process so that I could clearly understand.

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