Glossary of Personal Injury Law Terms

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Damages: The sum of money awarded to the injured party in a personal injury lawsuit.

Default Judgement: A judgment issued when the defendant offers no defense by not responding to the complaint as required by law. A default judgment normally grants the relief that is requested in the Complaint.

Defendant: The person against whom a claim is brought.

Deposition: A pretrial discovery device in which one party verbally answers questions from the other party, under oath, and in the presence of a court reporter.

Deponent: The person who testifies at a deposition.

Discovery: Methods and procedures by which information is made available to each party prior to trial. Discovery may include depositions, interrogations, requests for production of documents, and demands for independent medical examinations.

Docket: A summary system kept by the clerk's office which contains a record of all pleadings, court orders and other important activities in a case.