If you’ve been injured in an accident in Ventura County, CA, and are considering filing a personal injury claim, you will encounter specific legal terms. Understanding these key terms can help you feel more confident as you navigate the process.
Here are some of the most important terms to know:
Plaintiff: The injured person who files the lawsuit seeking compensation. In an Uninsured Motorist claim, this person is called the "Claimant".
Defendant: The individual, business, or entity being sued; the party allegedly responsible for the injury.
Negligence: The legal basis for most personal injury claims; a failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person.
Damages: The financial compensation sought, categorized as economic (medical bills, lost wages) or non-economic (pain and suffering).
Contingency Fee: A fee arrangement common in personal injury law where your lawyer, like Nichole Bartlett, only gets paid if you win your case.
Comparative Fault: California's rule that your compensation could be reduced based on your percentage of fault in the accident. This often applies in complex Auto Accidents.
Statute of Limitations: The legal deadline to file a claim (typically two years in California).
Be cautious when speaking with a Claim Adjuster; they represent the insurance company’s interests, not yours.
For a free consultation about your claim, contact our Ventura, CA office, Richard | Bartlett Lawyers, today. Call us at (805) 438-2440 or visit our website.