EL&C Trial Attorneys

A counterclaim is a claim that the defendant in a suit has against the plaintiff from the same transaction.

Discovery allows both parties to "discover" information in the case. The purpose is to narrow the basis of the complaint and to eliminate surprises to both parties.

Interrogatories are written questions, by one party to the other, which are answered under oath.

A deposition is a formal interview under oath in the presence of a court reporter. The answers in a deposition are oral.

Only about 25% of all personal injury cases end in a court; most will settle.

Usually it will include attorney, clerk, witness, and docket fees.

Principles that govern relationships between people where no crime has been committed.

A class action lawsuit occurs when a large group of plaintiffs sue a large group of defendants naming a representative in place of the entire group. Examples would be the tobacco industry suits and the suits against the drug manufactures of the popular diet medications, such as Fen-Phen.

Negligence is a failure to act reasonably in a situation. Doing something carelessly or failing to do something, i.e. driving without your headlights on.

Punitive damages are damages awarded to punish the defendant.

This would generally be money awarded over and above medical costs and lost wages.

Loss of consortium means the loss of companionship and care suffered by the victim's marital partner.

Contributory negligence is a defense to negligence stating that the plaintiff's negligence contributed to their injuries.

A tort is conduct intended to harm another person or their property. Examples include fraud, misrepresentation and slander.

Not necessarily. You must first prove the grocery store either created the hazardous situation or had previous knowledge of it. If you can prove both these things, the amount of your "award" will be directly related to your injury, medical costs, and loss of income.

This is a big misconception. If you don't suffer an injury or incur financial losses, chances are slim that you'll collect any monetary award.

Negligence does not simply mean doing something wrong. All of the following elements must exist for an act to be considered negligent: a. Lack of reasonable care b. Breach of duty c. Injury to the victim d. Foreseeable (knowing an act would occur based on the circumstances) e. Damages

Generally the statute of limitations is two years from the date the incident occurred.

This would be a products liability case. You may be able to sue, but know that although the manufacturer is responsible for defective products, the following will be considered in your case: a. Was the defect unreasonably dangerous? b. The seller from whom you bought the iron must be in the business of selling that particular product. c. The item must not have been substantially changed between the time it left the seller and the time the user had it. d. The defect directly caused the injury. e. The product was used properly.

It is used as part of a defendant's defense. Assumption of risk states that a user assumes risk in the following possible ways: a. You've discovered the risk, but disregard it. b. You've failed to properly maintain an item. c. You've failed to follow the enclosed directions.

Wrongful death laws give survivors a cause of action against someone whose negligence resulted in the victim's death.

The party who loses at trial is called an appellant on appeal.

Emotional distress means mental anguish.

Injunctions are court orders for defendants to stop them from doing something (i.e. temporary restraining orders).

Litigation is a lawsuit.

It is a Latin phrase meaning "the thing speaks for itself."

Document the entire situation making daily notes of the effects of your injuries. Also, report the accident to the DMV and never admit responsibility.

Almost half of the United States legally requires this insurance. It helps to eliminate liability claims in smaller accidents by exchanging direct payment by the injured's insurance company. It doesn't, however, cover auto damage, so a claim should still be filed for this.

Almost always, the answer is yes. The law says that you have to be able to stop safely if a car stops in front of you.

Getting to court for a vehicle accident takes 3-5 years in most cases.

You should always see a doctor after an accident even if you're not feeling pain right away. Be sure to document when you noticed the pain and when you went to the doctor.

It is in your best interest to hire an attorney.

Often times a person's personal assets will come into play in a case such as this.

Often times, insurance companies will pay to a certain amount and get reimbursed once the case is complete.

Check your insurance policy; many will have a clause that allows you to rent a car. Be sure to track the expense involved as this is considered a cost that you suffered.

Yes.

The city is responsible for road maintenance.

The award is directly related to the costs incurred.

This varies from each case and each individual. Know that going to trial can take years, but many times in return the judgment in court is larger than in a settlement.

No. Tell the insurance company that you'll get back to them. In the meantime, contact an attorney immediately. Often times an insurance company will offer a minimal amount of money in return for your signature stating that you won't sue them. Never take an insurance check without first consulting an attorney.

Normally, in cases such as these, you don't pay the attorney any money unless you win your case. If you do win, they are likely to request 33% of the settlement.