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Home > Accident Attorney > TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM

Written by Jelena Tiemann and Peter B. Tiemann

Last Updated : December 22, 2021
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Posted on Monday, August 8th, 2016 at 5:22 pm    

If you have been injured in an accident, you are probably experiencing many emotions. You may not know where to turn to get help as you struggle to recover from your injuries while providing for your needs and for your family’s needs. Our Sacramento personal injury attorneys understand your fears, frustration, and confusion. We can help! Call our office now for a free case evaluation.

Legal Terms Used in a Personal Injury Case

As you go through the process of filing a personal injury claim, you are likely to encounter many terms. Below are some of the most common legal terms used in a personal injury case.

Negligence (Fault)

Negligence is used to describe the actions or the failure to act by a person or entity that causes harm to another person. People and entities have a legal duty to act in a responsible manner when dealing with others. If a person or entity causes someone to suffer harm or injury because of specific acts or the failure to act, the injured victim may be entitled to recover damages in a personal injury case.

Damages

When you are injured, you suffer physical, emotional, and financial damages. Because the law cannot undo the damage that you have suffered, it requires the responsible party to compensate you with a monetary award for your losses and injuries.

Complaint

A complaint is the document filed to begin a personal injury lawsuit. It contains the allegations against the other party and a demand for compensation.

Plaintiff

The plaintiff is the person who files the lawsuit (i.e. the injured victim).

Defendant

The defendant is the person or entity being sued. You can have more than one defendant in a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney should conduct a thorough accident investigation to identify and name all defendants responsible for your injury.

Evidence

In order to receive compensation for your injuries, you must provide evidence that proves the other party caused an accident or situation that caused you to be injured. Examples of evidence used in personal injury cases include documents, photographs, medical records, eyewitness testimony, expert witness testimony, and payroll records.

Discovery

After you file a personal injury lawsuit, each party has the opportunity to gather additional evidence. Discovery is the legal process of investigating and gathering evidence to substantiate your allegations against the other party. Examples of discovery include interrogatories, request to produce, and depositions.

Interrogatories

Interrogatories are lists of questions submitted to the other party. The other party is required to answer each question under oath.

Request to Produce

Similar to interrogatories, a request to produce is a list of documents a party is requesting from the other side. You must respond to a request to produce under oath.

Request to Admit

A request to admit is a list of allegations posed to the other party. The other party must admit or deny each allegation under oath.

Judgement

A judgment is the decision by a jury or a judge; however, most personal injury cases settle without the necessity of filing a lawsuit. However, even if a personal injury lawsuit is filed, we can still settle the case at any time before a judgment is rendered by a judge or jury.

Hire an Experienced Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney

There are likely to be many more terms you may encounter that are unfamiliar to you when filing a personal injury claim. Because of that reason, you need an attorney who will explain the process in terms you can understand. It is important that your attorney keep you updated during each step of the process.

Our attorneys understand your personal injury case may be one of the most traumatic life events you have experienced; therefore, we take your case seriously. Furthermore, our attorneys take the time necessary to help you understand the personal injury claim process to reduce your stress as much as possible.

Contact the Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website to schedule a free consultation with a Sacramento personal injury lawyer.

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Client Testimonials

Jennifer T. Testimonial
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I highly recommend The Tiemann Law Firm! I had never before been in a situation where I sustained injury and had to seek legal representation. I was nervous, traumatized, and had no idea what to expect. Jelena, Peter, and their staff walked me through each step of the process. They explained everything in detail. They patiently answered all my questions, responded quickly to every email, text message, phone call, etc. I felt totally prepared for each new phase of the legal process. Furthermore, they were fearless in their defense of me. In certain situations, when I felt attacked or scared my attorney protected me like I was family. Their diligence, honesty, integrity, and compassion provided a true sense of healing and closure for my family and I. The Tiemann Law Firm accomplished more for me than I ever thought possible and I am forever grateful.

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Here's the thing... Nobody really thinks much about lawyers until they need one.  Well, we needed one!  The Tieman Law Firm came through for us in a big way. They were professional, courteous, thorough, and had excellent staff as well.  Highly recommended...

Jereme S. Testimonial
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No one wants to have to hire a lawyer, but if you do. I prefer Tiemann Law. They helped a family member who was injured on the job, and the company did not want to compensate him even though, the injury occurred on the job on company time. Jelena was always professional in explaining the lengthy process of fighting a large corporation. 2 years later he finally is receiving the deserved compensation.

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

Matt H. Testimonial
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I was in a car accident a while back where I was injured and had to miss work for an extended period of time.  After nearly a year of fighting with the insurance company with no results and no progress, I met with Jelena Tiemann.  I couldn't have asked for a more responsive and supportive advocate.  We quickly reached a settlement and I finally was able to move from the stress and burden of feuding with my insurance.  I highly recommending meeting with Jelena if you're in need of a lawyer.