Driving Under The Influence (DUI):
Driving or a motor vehicle and under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any chemical or controlled substance to the extent that his or her mental faculties are impaired or when his or her blood alcohol level (BAC) is above the legal limit for the state.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI):
A criminal offense for driving a motor vehicle after consuming enough alcohol to raise the blood alcohol level about the legal limit.

Harassment:
Words, conduct, or actions directed at a specific person that annoys, alarms, or causes alot of emotional distress for no legitimate purpose.

Injury:
The violation of another’s legal right, for which the law provides a remedy.

Jones Act:
Is the federal maritime law that allows a seaperson injured during the course of employment to recover damages for the injuries or death in a negligence action against the employer.

Lien:
A legal right or interest that a creditor has in another property that last until the obligation is paid or satisfied.

Litigation:
The process of carrying out a lawsuit, or the lawsuit itself.

Malpractice:
The negligence or incompetence on behalf of an individual, usually applied to professionals.

Maritime Law:
A body of law governing navigation and shipping. Admiralty law is under the specific domain of federal law, created through Article III of the Constitution. Maritime Law governs not only U.S. tidal waters, but any waters within the United States used for navigation.

Negligence:
The committing an act which a person exercising ordinary care would not do under similar circumstances definition - or the failure to do what a person exercising ordinary care would do under similar circumstances.

Pain and Suffering:
The loss of physical abilities, such as the use of your hand or foot, and physical discomfort, such as chronic backache or stiffness in your neck. The term also includes any emotional pain you might suffer, such as worry, anxiety, embarrassment, and the loss of the pleasures and enjoyment of life.

Personal Injury:
Area of law that seeks to protect victims who are harmed by the action or inaction ofanother person or entity.

Plaintiff:
A person who brings a civil action or who sues in a civil action and is so named in the record.

Repeal:
The abrogation of an existing law by a legislative act.

Sexual Harassment:
To discriminate against any individual with respect to her compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual's sex.

Structured Settlement:
A plaintiff not receiving compensation in one lump sum but receiving a periodic stream of payments according to the terms of the structured settlement.

Toxic Tort:
Is a wrong caused by exposure to a chemical substance; toxic tort cases are generally brought against the manufacturer of the chemical substance. 

Uninsured Motorist Coverage:
Auto insurance that covers the cost of injury or damage caused by another driver who is not insured. It generally covers the policy holder, authorized drivers, and any passengers.  

Verdict:
A jury finding or decision on a particular issue in a lawsuit.

Workers' Compensation:
Insurance paid for by employers, that provides cash benefits and medical care if an employee becomes disabled because of an injury or sickness related to the employee's job.

Witness:
Someone who sees, knows, or vouches for something and gives testimony under oath during a legal proceeding.

Home | Contact Us