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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What is comparative negligence?
Comparative negligence is a legal rule that reduces your compensation by the percentage of fault assigned to you—e.g., 20% fault means 20% less in damages. Most states use some form of comparative negligence, though a few bar recovery if you’re 50% or 51% at fault (modified) while others allow recovery regardless of fault (pure). This […]
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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 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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What is product liability?
Product liability is a legal doctrine that can hold 3 parties—manufacturers, distributors, and sellers—responsible for injuries caused by defective products. It applies when a product is unreasonably dangerous due to a design defect, manufacturing defect, or inadequate warnings. This article explains the basics, common claim types, and what consumers can do after an injury. Product […]
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What is premises liability?
Premises liability is the legal rule that can make a property owner liable when someone is injured due to an unsafe condition on the property. Owners generally must keep premises reasonably safe and warn of known hazards for lawful visitors. This article explains owner duties, common hazards, and when you may have a claim. Premises […]
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What is compensatory damages?
Compensatory damages are court-ordered payments meant to reimburse an injured person for economic and non-economic losses caused by another party. They commonly include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. This article explains what compensatory damages are, how they differ from punitive damages, and what they may cover. Understanding Compensatory Damages When […]
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What is battery?
Battery is typically an intentional, unconsented physical touching that is harmful or offensive, and it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on injury, weapon use, and state law. Unlike assault, battery usually requires actual contact, and penalties may include jail time, fines, probation, and protective orders. This article defines battery, breaks down […]
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How to Make Smart Early Moves After an Accident
Take 5 immediate steps after an accident: get medical care, call police/911, document the scene, notify your insurer, and avoid admitting fault. These actions preserve evidence, support treatment, and reduce claim disputes as state reporting and no-fault rules vary. This article explains what to do in the first hours and how to protect your health, […]
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Most Accident Victims Make This Mistake Before Calling a Lawyer
Most accident victims make this mistake: giving a recorded statement to an insurer before speaking with a lawyer. Even “routine” questions can be used to reduce or deny compensation and lock you into details you didn’t mean to admit. This article covers immediate steps at the scene and what to avoid before contacting a car […]
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