- glossary
- f
Glossary
F
Fault
Fault in personal injury law signifies the responsibility attributed to a party for causing an accident or injury, often through negligence or wrongful action. Establishing fault is crucial as it often directly influences the compensation awarded in personal injury cases.
Field Adjuster
A field adjuster is an insurance professional who investigates claims by visiting the location of an incident, such as an accident site, to assess the extent of damage and determine the insurance liability. In personal injury claims, field adjusters evaluate the circumstances and validate the asserted damages.
First-Party Claims
First-party claims refer to insurance claims made by a policyholder directly against their insurer. In the context of personal injury, individuals might file first-party claims to seek compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and other related costs from their own insurance company.
Fraud
Fraud denotes intentional deception to secure unlawful gain. In personal injury law, fraud can manifest as exaggerated claims, falsification of injuries, or intentional misrepresentation to obtain compensation or benefits that would otherwise be unwarranted.
Failure to Warn
Failure to warn involves neglecting to inform users about the potential risks or dangers associated with a product or environment. Personal injury claims can arise when injuries occur due to insufficient warnings or instructions, holding manufacturers or property owners liable.
Fair Market Value
Fair market value represents the reasonable selling price of property in the open market. In personal injury cases, it can be relevant in determining the monetary value of damaged property, such as a vehicle, to ascertain appropriate compensation.
Family Purpose Doctrine
The family purpose doctrine holds vehicle owners responsible for damages caused by family members while operating their vehicles. Personal injury claims can leverage this doctrine to pursue compensation from the vehicle owner following an accident caused by a family member.
FELA (Federal Employers Liability Act)
FELA provides a federal system for addressing and compensating railway workers who sustain injuries on the job. Unlike workers’ compensation, FELA requires injured workers to prove negligence on part of the employer to claim compensation for injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Fiduciary Duty
Fiduciary duty is a legal obligation of one party to act in the best interest of another. In personal injury matters, breach of fiduciary duty might arise if a professional neglects their duty, causing harm or loss, prompting legal claims for redress.
Foreseeability
Foreseeability pertains to the predictability or likelihood of an injury occurring as a consequence of an action or omission. In personal injury law, establishing the foreseeability of injury is paramount to proving negligence and securing compensation.
Filing a Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit entails formally initiating legal proceedings against a party to seek redress for grievances, such as injuries sustained due to negligence. This process involves submitting necessary documents and adhering to protocols defined by the judicial system.
Financial Loss
Financial loss in personal injury encompasses the monetary setbacks experienced due to injury, including medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. Compensation claims often seek to recover financial losses, providing restitution for the injured party.
Fracture
A fracture, a break or crack in a bone, often results from traumatic incidents like accidents. Personal injury claims involving fractures typically seek compensation for medical costs, pain, and suffering, and any ensuing disability or impairment.
Free on Board (FOB)
FOB, while more common in shipping and trade, may appear in personal injury in contexts involving transport and delivery. It designates the point at which ownership and liability for goods pass from seller to buyer, which can influence claims arising from transport incidents.
Future Damages
Future damages refer to the projected financial impact and suffering resulting from an injury that will occur following the resolution of a personal injury case. This may encompass ongoing medical expenses, future lost wages, and prolonged pain and suffering.
Future Earnings
Future earnings, or loss thereof, involve the anticipated income that an individual is likely to be deprived of due to an injury. Personal injury claims might seek compensation for lost future earnings, particularly when an injury impedes an individual’s capacity to work.
Fiduciary
A fiduciary is an individual or entity entrusted to manage assets or general well-being on behalf of another party, expected to act in their best interest. Breaches of the fiduciary duty in managing assets or making decisions can lead to legal disputes and potential personal injury claims in certain contexts.