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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.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is often referred to as CO, which is its chemical symbol. This blocks oxygen from getting into your body, which can damage tissues in your body and can kill you.
Amicus curiae
(Latin: "friend of the court.") Person or organization that files a legal brief with the court expressing its views on a case involving other parties because it has a strong interest in the subject matter of the action.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is the failure of medical professionals to provide adequate treatment resulting in a personal injury or substantial loss of income.
Quadriplegia
Complete paralysis of the body from the neck down, usually caused by damage to the spinal cord.
Disfigurement
A technical term in workers' compensation cases for a serious and permanent scar to the head, neck, or face.
Whiplash injury
Hyperextension (over-extension) injury to the neck, often the result of being struck from behind, as by a fast-moving vehicle in a car accident.
Vicarious Liability
When a person who did not actually cause an injury is held for the injury. Sometimes called imputed liability.
Punitive damages
Also called exemplary damages, which are designed to punish a defendant whose behavior in causing the plaintiff's injuries was especially egregious.
Bodily Injury
A cut, abrasion, bruise, burn, or disfigurement; physical pain, illness, impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty; or any other injury to the body, no matter how temporary.
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