- glossary
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Glossary
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General Damages
General damages in personal injury law represent compensation for non-economic losses that are not easily quantifiable, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages aim to financially offset the intangible hardships experienced by the injured party.
General Jurisdiction
General jurisdiction refers to the authority a court has to hear any type of case, except where limited by specific statutory or constitutional provisions. Personal injury cases may be heard in courts of general jurisdiction, subject to the applicable laws and procedures.
Good Faith
Good faith denotes honesty and sincerity in dealings and actions. In personal injury cases, parties are often required to act in good faith, such as insurance companies fairly assessing and compensating claims or individuals providing accurate representations of injuries and damages.
Good Samaritan Laws
Good Samaritan laws offer legal protection to individuals who assist others in emergency situations, shielding them from liability in the event that they inadvertently cause harm while providing aid. These laws aim to encourage bystanders to assist in emergencies without fear of legal repercussions.
Government Claim
A government claim involves seeking compensation from a governmental entity for injuries or damages caused by its negligence or misconduct. Navigating through personal injury claims against government entities typically involves adhering to specific procedures and timelines.
Governmental Immunity
Governmental immunity protects government entities and their employees from certain liability claims. While this immunity is not absolute, personal injury claims against governmental bodies often involve navigating through additional legal complexities and limitations.
Gross Negligence
Gross negligence involves a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of others, demonstrating a significant deviation from expected conduct. Personal injury claims asserting gross negligence often seek to establish the egregious nature of the responsible party’s actions or omissions.
Gross Settlement
A gross settlement encompasses the total sum agreed upon or awarded in a personal injury case before deductions, such as attorney fees or case costs, are made. This figure represents the collective compensation for various damages sustained by the injured party.
Gross Verdict
A gross verdict refers to the full amount of damages awarded by a jury in a personal injury case, devoid of any deductions or adjustments. Subsequent modifications, such as offsets or additions, may be applied to this amount per legal statutes and judicial orders.
Grossly Negligent
Describing an action as grossly negligent implies an extreme lack of care or conscious disregard for the safety of others. Personal injury claims may characterize a party’s actions as grossly negligent to underline the severity and recklessness of their conduct.
Grossly Negligent Act
A grossly negligent act pertains to conduct that is markedly deficient and reckless, exhibiting a stark deviation from the standard of care expected in similar circumstances. In personal injury law, showcasing a grossly negligent act is crucial to substantiating claims in certain contexts.
Guardian
A guardian is an individual legally appointed to manage the personal and/or financial affairs of another person, often due to their inability to do so themselves. In personal injury cases involving minors or incapacitated adults, a guardian may represent their interests.
Guardian Ad Litem
A guardian ad litem is appointed by the court to represent the interests of a minor or an incapacitated person during legal proceedings, ensuring that their rights and welfare are protected during personal injury litigation.
Guardianship
Guardianship refers to the legal relationship where an individual or entity is appointed to manage and safeguard the personal and/or property interests of another person, such as a minor or an incapacitated adult, particularly relevant in certain personal injury claims.
Guest Statute
Guest statutes pertain to laws that limit or define the circumstances under which a passenger in a vehicle can pursue a personal injury claim against the driver. Such statutes often involve considerations regarding the relationship between the parties and the conduct of the driver.
Guilty
While primarily utilized in criminal law, “guilty” can be relevant in personal injury cases involving intentional torts or criminal acts, such as assault. A guilty verdict in a criminal case can potentially influence subsequent civil personal injury claims related to the same incident.