S

Settlement: A final resolution of the claim which has been agreed to by all parties to the lawsuit.

Special Damages: Damages that can mathematically be calculated, including property damages, medical expenses and lost wages.

Statute of Limitations: A mandatory time limit during which a party must proper way commenced a lawsuit. If a lawsuit is not properly commenced within the statute of limitations period, the claim will be considered to stale and will be barred. The general statute of limitations for an automobile collision in Minnesota requires that a lawsuit be commenced within six years from the date of the collision, or it will be barred. A general statute of limitations for an automobile collision in Wisconsin requires that a lawsuit must be properly commenced within three years from the date of the collision, or it will be barred. Separate statutes of limitations apply to product liability claims, wrongful death claims, property insurance claims and medical malpractice claims, among others. It is important therefore that you contact an experienced trial lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights.

Subpoena: This is a court order compelling a person to provide testimony or produce documents within their possession.

Summons: A legal document that is served with a complaint which notifies the defendant that they are required to provide a written answer to the complaint within a timely fashion.

T

Testimony: To testify under oath in an affidavit, at a deposition or in court.

Tort: An injury to a person caused by another person who has violated accepted norms good behavior. The failure of a defendant driver to exercise reasonable care in failing to obey a stop sign is a type of tort. In contrast, commencing a lawsuit based on rights and responsibilities set forth in a legally binding contract are considered a contractual claim as opposed to a tort claim.

Traumatic Brain Injury: A traumatic brain injury is an injury that occurs due to sudden trauma. Traumatic brain injuries can often occur in automobile collisions or in pedestrian collisions which cause a severe blow to the head. Proof of the nature and extent of a traumatic brain injury involves the use of biomechanical engineers, neurologists, neuropsychologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists among other disciplines.

Treating Physician: A healthcare provider who has treated the patient for the injuries.