Legal Glossary
Plain-English explanations of legal terms to help you navigate legal processes with confidence.
Liability
The legal responsibility to compensate another party for harm, loss, or injury caused by your actions or negligence.
Example: A driver who runs a red light bears liability for damages in a resulting accident.
Settlement
A negotiated agreement to resolve a legal dispute without going to trial, typically involving compensation.
Example: Settling a personal injury case for $75,000 avoids the cost and uncertainty of trial.
Statute of Limitations
The legally defined maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.
Example: Most personal injury claims have a 2-year statute of limitations.
Damages
Monetary compensation awarded by a court to a party injured by another's wrongful act or negligence.
Example: Compensatory damages cover actual losses; punitive damages punish egregious conduct.
Plaintiff
The party who initiates a lawsuit by filing a complaint against another party.
Example: In a personal injury suit, the injured person is the plaintiff.