Personal Injury Terms

Comparative Negligence: A method of assessing negligence in an accident case which considers all parties whose negligence contributed the accident in any way.

Damages: The sum of money awarded to the injured party in a personal injury lawsuit.

Emotional Distress: Injury involving mental or psychological damage. Professional testimony by a therapist or psychiatrist may be required to validate emotional distress.

Have you or a loved one been injured as the result of someone’s negligence? If so, contact our Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyers today!

General Damages: Damages for which no exact amount can be calculated. They are different than special damages, which are for specific costs, and punitive damages which are awarded to punish the defendant.

Gross Negligence: Negligence for the safety or lives of others which is so great it appears to be intentional. Gross negligence can result in the award of punitive damages in addition to general and special damages.

Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care toward others, or performing actions which a reasonable person would not. Negligence is accidental as opposed to intentional wrongs or crimes. Negligence can result in many types of accidents including personal injury and injury to property.

Personal Injury: Personal injury cases are brought about by physical injury or mental anguish caused by actions or negligence of another party. Personal Injury cases can include auto accidents, defamation of character, product defects, and medical malpractice to name just a few.

Product Liability: The liability of anyone involved in the design, manufacture and marketing of a product for damages caused by the product.

Tort: A personal injury recognized by law. The injured person can bring a lawsuit for monetary damages such as loss of earning capacity, medical expenses and pain and suffering. There are three main classes of torts:

• intentional torts (e.g. hitting a person)
• negligent torts (causing an accident)
• strict liability torts (e.g. selling defective products)

Wrongful Death: When a death occurs as a result of negligence.

Have you or a loved one been injured as the result of someone’s negligence? If so, contact our Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyers today!