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.

Gross Negligence

A deliberate breach of a pre-existing duty. If it causes other to be exposed to extreme risks resulting in harm, a defendant may also be considered criminally negligent.

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Hearing

Legal proceedings in which a judge discusses the issues in a case or receives information in order to make a decision about a dispute or a proposed settlement.

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Impairment rating

An estimate of how much normal use or function of an injured body part you are no longer able to use. Impairment ratings are determined based on guidelines published and updated regularly by the American Medical Association (AMA). An impairment rating is used to calculate a permanent disability rating as well, but it is different […]

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In pro per

An injured worker who is not represented by an attorney.

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Indemnify

To compensate for losses or damages. Examples: An insurance policy may indemnify a policy holder against losses like fire, theft, or property damage.

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Judgment

An official decision of a court resolving the legal issues in an action and stating the rights and obligations of the parties involved.

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Juror

Member of a jury.  

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Kin

A blood relative.

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Lapse

When a right, privilege, or agreement becomes invalid because it is not renewed or it has expired.

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Lemon

A car that continues to be defective after a reasonable number of attempts at repair, or after the car has been out of commission for a certain period of time. Under most state lemon laws, the owner has the option after arbitration or a lawsuit, of getting a refund or a replacement vehicle.

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Case Results

  • $250,000: Auto/Bus Collision
  • $3,000,000: Insurance Bad Faith Claim
  • $1,475,000: Highway 50 Auto/Truck Collision
  • $225,000: Auto Accident; at unmarked intersection resulted in death
  • $290,000: Minor Injured in ATV Accident
  • $1,600,000: Car Rollover
  • $640,000: Accidental Electrocution
  • $3,540,068: SUV Rollover

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Testimonials

Carol P.

These guys are absolutely awesome!!!!

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.

Skylar K.

I had been injured in a vehicle wreck in February of 2014. The insurance company handling my claim insisted on low-balling me and giving me the runaround. After nearly two years had passed, I had made no progress in regards to reaching a resolution, that seemed fair and appropriate to me, with the claim representatives […]

Dan S.

I am extremely impressed on how professional, kind and helpful PLG and the staff responded to my claim. They were on top of everything all the time. Couldn’t have done it without them. I will definitely refer PLG to all my family and friends. Thank you so much. Dan S

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