Glossary of Personal Injury Law Terms

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

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Peremptory Challenge: A challenge to a particular juror that requires no reason. Normally an attorney has a limited number of these challenges.

Personal Property: Defined by the law as "things movable." This is distinguished from the term "real property," which includes things such as trees, buildings and land.

Petition: A formal request that the court take some action; a complaint.

Plaintiff: The party bringing the case against another.

Pleading: The process of making formal, written statements by the litigants. All papers filed with the court are collectively referred to as "pleadings."

Precedent: The value that a completed case has on deciding future cases.

Process Serving: The method by which a defendant in a lawsuit is notified that a plaintiff has filed a suit against him.

Product Liability: A type of strict liability in which the manufacturer or seller is strictly liable for injuries caused by defective products.

Pro Se: On one's own behalf; not using an attorney.

Punitive Damages: Damages given for the purpose of punishing the defendant and to prevent similar conduct by others.