Personal injury law is the body of civil law allowing injured parties to seek compensation from those responsible for their harm. PI claims require proving four elements: duty (the defendant owed a standard of care), breach (the duty was violated), causation (the breach caused the injury), and damages (quantifiable losses resulted). Common PI claims include motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, slip-and-fall premises liability, and wrongful death. PI practice often operates on contingency fee arrangements where the attorney receives a percentage of the recovery only if the case succeeds. Statutes of limitations vary by state (typically 1-6 years) and represent hard deadlines that cannot be extended.
← Glossary
Personal Injury Law
Civil law covering compensation for bodily harm caused by negligence or intentional wrongdoing, including auto accidents, medical malpractice, and premises liability.
Related terms
- Statute of Limitations — Legal deadline by which a lawsuit must be filed. Missing this deadline typically bars the claim permanently regardless of its merit.
- Liability — Legal responsibility for causing harm. In PI cases, establishing liability requires proof the defendant breached a duty of care.
- Damages — Monetary compensation sought for losses including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.