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Person Stepping over Fence Onto Private Property

What is trespass?

Trespass is the intentional entry onto, or remaining on, another person’s property without permission or legal right. It can be civil or criminal depending on the facts, and harm to the property is not always required. This article explains trespass to land, typical defenses, and property owners’ rights and remedies. Trespass is one of the […]
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Person Looking Frustrated at Noisy Neighbors

What is nuisance?

A nuisance is an unlawful or unreasonable interference with another person’s use or enjoyment of land, and it can be pursued as either a private or public nuisance claim. It commonly involves ongoing issues like excessive noise, odors, smoke, vibrations, flooding, or hazardous conditions that materially affect nearby property or community rights. This article explains […]
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Respondeat Superior Legal Concept Illustration

What is respondeat superior?

Respondeat superior is a legal doctrine that makes an employer vicariously liable for an employee’s negligence when it occurs within the scope of employment. It commonly applies in workplace and vehicle-accident cases where the employee was performing job-related duties at the time of the harm. This article explains the doctrine’s elements, how courts define “scope […]
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Legal Scales with Gavel Showing Liability Concept

What is vicarious liability?

Vicarious liability makes an employer or principal legally responsible for an employee’s or agent’s wrongdoing committed in the course of work, even if the employer did not personally act. It commonly arises in negligence and tort claims after workplace incidents involving drivers, contractors, or staff. This article defines vicarious liability, explains the legal tests and […]
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Attorney Reviewing Retainer Agreement with Client

What is a retainer?

A retainer is an upfront fee paid to a lawyer to secure their services, often deposited into a client trust account and billed against as work is performed. Depending on the agreement, it may be refundable (unused funds returned) or nonrefundable as an availability or engagement fee. This article explains common retainer types, how retainers […]
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Couple Holding Hands Showing Emotional Support

What is loss of consortium?

Loss of consortium is a legal claim seeking compensation for the loss of a spouse’s or close family member’s companionship, care, affection, and intimacy after an injury caused by someone else. It’s typically filed alongside the injured person’s personal injury lawsuit and may cover both emotional and practical impacts on the relationship. This article explains […]
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Assumption of Risk Legal Concept Illustration

What is assumption of risk?

Assumption of risk is a legal defense that can reduce or bar an injured person’s recovery if they knowingly and voluntarily accepted a specific danger. It often arises in sports, recreational activities, signed waivers, and situations involving obvious hazards, and rules vary by state and by whether the risk was express or implied. This article […]
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Contributory Negligence Concept Illustration

What is contributory negligence?

Contributory negligence is a legal rule that can bar you from recovering any damages if you’re found even 1% at fault for an accident. Only a handful of jurisdictions still follow this strict doctrine, making fault allocation crucial in injury claims. This article explains how contributory negligence works, where it applies, common exceptions, and how […]
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Person Covering Face in Distress, Legal Concept

What is intentional infliction of emotional distress?

Intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED) is a civil claim requiring 4 elements: extreme and outrageous conduct, intent or reckless disregard, causation, and severe emotional distress. If proven, a victim may recover damages for mental anguish and related harms, sometimes without physical injury. This article explains IIED basics, common examples, damages, and defenses. Intentional infliction […]
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Person Peering Through Window Blinds at Others

What is invasion of privacy?

Invasion of privacy is a legal violation that generally falls into 4 categories: intrusion, public disclosure of private facts, false light, and appropriation of name/likeness. It occurs when someone unlawfully intrudes on your seclusion, publicizes private information, or exploits your identity without consent. This article explains each type, common examples, and legal options for victims. […]
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