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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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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What is defamation?
Defamation is a false statement of fact about someone, shared with at least one other person, that harms their reputation. It can be written (libel) or spoken (slander), and claims generally require falsity, publication, fault, and damages. This article explains defamation’s definition, libel vs. slander, and common defenses. Defamation is a legal term that describes […]
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What is slander?
Slander is spoken defamation—false verbal statements that harm someone’s reputation. Unlike libel, which is written, slander is communicated orally in conversations, speeches, or broadcasts and must generally be proven false and damaging. This article explains the elements of slander, common examples, and legal options. Slander is a form of spoken defamation that occurs when someone […]
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What is libel?
Libel is written defamation: a false statement published in a fixed medium (like print or online) that harms someone’s reputation. To prove it, a claimant generally must show publication, falsity, identification, and reputational damage (plus fault). This article explains libel’s key elements, examples, and common defenses. Understanding Libel: Written Defamation Explained Libel is a form […]
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What is a slip and fall case?
A slip and fall case is a premises liability claim where an injured person must typically prove 4 elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. It arises when a property owner or occupier fails to fix or warn about a dangerous condition that leads to a fall. This article explains common causes, legal duties, evidence, and […]
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What is medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s care falls below the accepted standard and causes patient harm, typically proven by 4 elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. It can happen in any setting, from hospitals and ERs to clinics and private practices. This article explains common malpractice types and what generally qualifies as a claim. […]
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What is wrongful death?
Wrongful death is a civil claim for a preventable death caused by another person’s negligence or intentional misconduct. It commonly involves car crashes, unsafe workplaces, or medical errors where reasonable care could have avoided the death. This article explains what qualifies as wrongful death and the basics of pursuing compensation. Understanding Wrongful Death When someone […]
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What is legal malpractice?
Legal malpractice is when an attorney breaches the professional duty of care and a client suffers measurable harm, often financial loss. To win a claim, clients generally must show duty, breach, causation, and damages. This article explains attorney negligence, common examples, and the basics of legal malpractice claims. Legal malpractice occurs when an attorney fails […]
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What is wrongful termination?
Wrongful termination is when an employer fires you for an illegal reason, such as discrimination or retaliation, despite at-will employment rules. Federal and state laws and, sometimes, contracts or company policies can limit when a firing is lawful. This article explains the definition, common illegal reasons, and steps to protect your rights. Wrongful termination happens […]
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What is a personal injury claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal demand for financial compensation after you’re hurt due to someone else’s negligence. It typically seeks payment for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering through an insurance claim or lawsuit. This article explains the basics, common case types, and what you must prove to recover damages. A […]
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What is strict liability?
Strict liability makes a person or company legally responsible for harm even without proving negligence or intent. It commonly applies to defective products, certain animal injuries, and abnormally dangerous activities like explosives. This article explains what strict liability is, when it applies, and key defenses and examples. Understanding Strict Liability in Simple Terms Imagine you […]
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