The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Contributory negligence is a rule of law that has been largely abolished in the U.S., as it deemed that a plaintiff who was even partially at fault for the incident, due to his own negligence, could not recover any damages from the defendant, who supposedly caused the incident. Contributory negligence refers to some amount of negligence on the part of […]
Read moreThe legal term gross negligence refers to an act showing a severe and reckless disregard for the lives or safety of another person. While ordinary negligence involves the failure to provide an adequate level of care or caution, gross negligence is far more severe in its level of apathy or indifference. Even in cases where a victim cannot bring sue […]
Read moreThe legal term “damages” refers to a sum of money that may be awarded by a court of law to an individual or entity as compensation for property damage, a physical injury, or other loss caused by another person’s actions. Damages that a court may award are divided into two basic types, “compensatory,” and “punitive.” Compensatory damages return the plaintiff […]
Read moreWhen discussing the law, the term “award” can be somewhat misleading as it is not necessarily a recognition, or honor of an achievement. Where the law is concerned, an award is a judicial decision that is made during a court case in which a plaintiff or defendant is given something that they are seeking. For instance, in a civil lawsuit, […]
Read moreIn the law, the term “negligence” refers to a failure of a person or entity to exercise a level of care necessary to protect others, whether in interest, or from physical harm, from actions or conditions that may cause them harm. Negligence most often comes into play concerning a person’s or entity’s actions, however it may also be an omission […]
Read moreIn the legal system, a “cause of action” is a set of facts or legal theory that gives an individual or entity the right to seek a legal remedy against another. This applies to the filing of a civil lawsuit for such wrongs as property damages, personal injury, or monetary loss, as well as to criminal wrongs such as battery, […]
Read moreIn civil law, the term “damages” refers to the sum of money that may be awarded to a party in compensation for an injury, damage to property, or other loss. There are two types of damages that may be awarded by the court, “compensatory,” and “punitive.” Compensatory damages, also referred to as “actual damages,” provide a plaintiff with the amount […]
Read more