Liability · Responsabilidad
Legal responsibility for an injury or loss. A disputed claim requires examination of duties, conduct, causation, and the available evidence.
Damages · Daños y perjuicios
The losses for which compensation is sought. Medical expenses, lost income, and effects on daily life may raise different proof questions; a bill alone does not establish what a case is worth.
Contingent attorney’s fee · Honorarios contingentes
A fee tied to a recovery under a written agreement. Case expenses are a separate subject. Read how the agreement addresses expenses and what happens if there is no recovery.
Settlement and release · Acuerdo y liberación
A settlement resolves specified claims. A release records the rights being given up. Review who is released, which claims are included, and any remaining obligations before signing.
Statute of limitations · Plazo de prescripción
A legal time limit for starting an action. The applicable period and when it begins depend on the claim and governing law. Negotiation does not itself file a lawsuit.
Demand and lawsuit · Reclamación y demanda judicial
A settlement demand asks for a resolution. A lawsuit begins a court proceeding. Sending a demand letter is not the same as filing a complaint.
Discovery and deposition · Intercambio de pruebas y declaración oral bajo juramento
Discovery is the formal process for obtaining information in litigation. A deposition is testimony under oath taken outside the courtroom. Preparation and truthful, precise answers matter.
Insurance limit and deductible · Límite y deducible
A limit caps a particular coverage subject to its terms. A deductible is an amount allocated to the insured under the policy. Neither term answers all questions about coverage, fault, or case value.
PIP and UM/UIM · PIP y UM/UIM
PIP means personal injury protection. UM/UIM refers to uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. They address different insurance questions. Check the policy and the separate guides before assuming either coverage applies.
Evidence and expert witness · Pruebas y perito
Evidence is information offered to establish a fact. An expert witness offers specialized opinions subject to legal requirements. A useful opinion must address the issues and supporting facts; hiring an expert does not guarantee admissibility or success.
Ask for an explanation before deciding
If a document uses an unfamiliar term, ask what it means for your specific decision. This glossary simplifies concepts; the actual contract, court order, policy, and law control.
Primary sources
Florida injury questions and answers · How a case works
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General information, not legal advice. Reading this guide or submitting an inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship or stop a deadline.