Minster Law claims jargon buster

***This post is out of date to see an updated list of terms please visit our Glossary **

Thankfully we are not involved in accidents every day, so it’s not surprising when it comes to be making a personal injury claim we can often feel overwhelmed by the whirlwind of legal jargon that is used. Have a look at our jargon buster for a straightforward explanation of some of the most common terms.

Minster Law is with you every step of the way, if you have any questions regarding your claim please contact us on 01924 582 600.

Claimant

The person making a claim.

Defendant

The person who the claim is brought against. Often referred to as the other or third party.

Third-party / Third-parties

Can be the defendant or other vehicles involved in the accident. In multiple vehicle collisions there may be more than one potential third party.

Third-party insurer

The third-party insurer are the ones who have issued the third party drivers insurance.

Liability admitted

An admission of liability means the third-party accept responsibility for the accident.

Liability denied

A denial of liability means the third-party do not accept responsibility for the accident.

Limitation

The time limit within which a claim must be brought. For an adult, a person over the age of 18, this is 3-years.

Infant limitation

Where a child, a person under the age of 18, has been involved in an accident their 3-year limitation period will expire on their 21st birthday.

Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA)

A CFA is a legal funding agreement, where you only pay if your case is successful.

General damages

General damages refers to the compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, which is set out in the medical report. eg. loss of enjoyment of life or a reduction in ability to perform everyday tasks.

Special damages

Special damages refers to any additional expenditure, some examples would be, loss of earnings, medication or travel expenses.

Litigation friend

A litigation friend is someone who acts on behalf of someone under the age of 18, or someone who lacks mental capacity in bringing forward their injury claim.

Fee earner or file handler

A fee earner or file handler is a term used to describe the person who is carrying out work on your claim.