Personal Injury and Tort Law Terms in Plain English

Negligence, liability, damages, dram shop — the legal terms that matter in personal injury and civil wrong cases.

1. 1
   Negligence

   Failure to exercise reasonable care that results in harm to another person.
2. 2
   Tort

   A wrongful act or breach of duty (other than contract) that causes harm and creates civil liability.
3. 3
   Comparative Negligence

   A rule that reduces damages based on the victim's own percentage of fault.
4. 4
   Contributory Negligence

   A plaintiff's own carelessness that partially caused their injury, reducing their recovery.
5. 5
   Joint and Several Liability

   Multiple defendants can each be held fully responsible for the entire judgment, not just their share.
6. 6
   Punitive Damages

   Extra money awarded to punish wrongful conduct and deter future misconduct.
7. 7
   Dram Shop Liability

   Legal responsibility of bars or stores for harm caused by serving alcohol to intoxicated people.
8. 8
   Defamation

   A false statement that damages someone's reputation and causes real harm.
9. 9
   Statute of Limitations

   A law setting the maximum time period within which a lawsuit can be filed after an injury or breach occurs.

This guide is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.