Welcome to our legal glossary. The legal industry is full of jargon and complex principles. To help you navigate the compensation claims process, we put together this handy guide. If you can’t find the definition you need here, don’t worry. Simply call the Legal Helpline team or message us via our live chat box
Barrister
A type of lawyer who represents you in court settings specifically. They are trained to speak before judges and present and argue cases in courtrooms.
Breach Of Duty
Breach of duty refers to one aspect of negligence whereby it must be determined whether or not the defendant was at fault, or in other words, breached their duty of care.
Claimant
The term used to describe the person making the claim.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government body that was founded to process compensation claims for those who have been injured as a result of a crime, for example, being assaulted in the course of a mugging.
Defendant
The term used to describe the person or organisation defending a compensation claim.
Duty Of Care
Duty of care refers to the responsibilities that individuals or organisations have over our health and well-being. It is not an absolute duty, but rather a reasonable one. For example, if a person had done all they could to avoid an accident, they may not be held responsible.
Employers’ Liability
Employers’ liability refers to workplace accidents and the responsibilities held by employers.
General Damages
General damages is one part of a compensation payout made in successful cases relating to personal injury law and medical negligence. It relates specifically to the pain, suffering and loss of amenity the injury has had on your life.
Negligence
Negligence is defined, in the context of lthe aw, as a breach of duty causing an injury.
Liability
Liability is the term used to describe someone who is at fault or to blame for the accident and injury happening.
Litigation Friend
A litigation friend is a term used to describe a person who is appointed by the court to make legal decisions on behalf of another person, for example in the case of accidents involving children (under the age of 18)
Limitation
Limitation refers to the time limits that apply to compensation claims, which are set out in the Limitation Act 1980. The time limit varies for different types of cases.
Public Liability
Public liability refers to the responsibilities and potential failings of an individual or organisation that is responsible for a public place. For example, a supermarket is responsible for making sure its premises are safe for customers.
Settlement
The term settlement refers to the agreement that you make with the defendant to bring the case to a close. It usually arises after negotiations have taken place.
Solicitor
The legally qualified representative who’ll act on your behalf when pursuing your compensation claim.
Special Damages
Special damages is another aspect of compensation that you can receive and relates to the financial impact the injury has had on your life.
