The Terms of the Trade
8 Legal Words to Know
Negligence: A failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in like circumstances.
If ever you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of needing a personal injury lawyer, there are probably many terms that will be unfamiliar to you. Most of these will come up during your case, which is why it is good to brush up on your legal lexicon! Here are a few common terms.
Plaintiff: The party or group of parties bringing the lawsuit.
Power of attorney: The authority to act for another person in specified or all legal or financial matters.
Affidavit: A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.
Statute of limitations: A statute prescribing a period of limitation for the bringing of certain kinds of legal action. In other words, the time allowed to pass between the arising of a legal claim and the filing of a suit.
Complaint: The first document filed with a court by a person or entity claiming legal rights against another. States the factual and legal basis for a claim. Damages: What a plaintiff is seeking to recover in a lawsuit. There are two categories: economic, such as medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services, and auto repair bills. The other is noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering.
This list is just a small sample of some of the terms used in personal injury law. But by knowing the above terms and phrases, you can at least feel
more comfortable when speaking with an attorney and have the confidence to proceed with your case. Next month, we’ll go over a few more terms to help you better immerse yourself in your case or the case of a loved one.
Deposition: Involves a witness being asked questions about the case. To find out what the witness knows and to preserve that witness’s testimony. To learn all facts before going to trial.
Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts
“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” is an iconic image of Christmas, but we’re willing to bet most people reading this have never eaten a chestnut. Change that this year with this awesome paleo-friendly appetizer.
INGREDIENTS
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2 8-oz cans water chestnuts
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1/4 cup coconut sugar
Tamari (wheat-free soy sauce), but can substitute with coconut aminos
1 lb sliced bacon, quartered
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat an oven to 400 F. 2. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with parchment and set aside. 3. Drain liquid from canned water chestnuts, add tamari to cover, and let soak for 15 minutes in the cans.
4. Drain tamari, roll each chestnut in coconut sugar, wrap with bacon, and spear on toothpick. 5. Place chestnuts on prepared rack. Bake for 30–35 minutes. 6. Plate and serve.
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