Personal Injury Glossary

The ultimate personal injury glossary of terms and definitions related to legal, medical, and insurance terminology to help you better understand your case.

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18-Wheeler 

An 18-wheeler is a large truck consisting of a tractor unit and a semi-trailer, typically equipped with 18 wheels in total.

998 Offer

A CCP § 998 offer is a settlement offer under California’s Code of Civil Procedure that includes incentives or penalties to encourage settlement before trial or arbitration, with potential consequences for both parties based on the outcome of the case.

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Abrasion

An abrasion, also known as a scrape, is a superficial injury characterized by the rubbing off of the skin’s surface, typically caused by friction or contact with a rough surface.

Abscess

An abscess is a collection of pus caused by bacterial infection, which can develop in various parts of the body and typically requires treatment such as surgical drainage.

Accident

An accident is an occurrence that is sudden, unexpected, and unintended, resulting in bodily injury and/or property damage.

Act of God

An Act of God denotes a natural event or accident occurring without human intervention, beyond reasonable foreseeability or prevention (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes).

Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

Activities of daily living encompass essential tasks required for independent household functioning, typically including bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating, and continence.

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Actual cash value is the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, minus depreciation.

Actual Cause

The definition of “actual cause” is that the plaintiff’s injury would not have occurred without the defendant’s act, as determined by the but-for cause test, which asks whether the injury would have happened “but for” the defendant’s action.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and promote overall well-being.

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Bad Faith

Bad faith in insurance refers to the deliberate failure of an insurer to uphold its contractual obligations, which may include inadequate investigation of claims, withholding information, or intentionally delaying settlements, whereas inadvertent errors or dissatisfaction with claim settlements typically do not constitute bad faith.

Balance Billing

Balance billing occurs when a healthcare provider charges a patient for the difference between the provider’s fee and the amount approved by the patient’s insurance, often resulting in unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Battery

Battery is the unlawful and intentional application of force or physical contact upon another person or their property, resulting in bodily harm or offensive contact, distinguished from assault, which involves creating apprehension of such contact without actual physical contact.

Bench Trial

A bench trial is a legal proceeding where the judge, rather than a jury, determines both the facts and the application of the law in the case.

Bicycle

A bicycle, recognized as a legal vehicle, has two wheels, and is powered by human pedaling.

Big Rig

A big-rig, also known as a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, is a large commercial truck used for transporting freight.

Binder

A binder is a temporary insurance policy that serves as interim coverage until the formal policy is issued, which can take varying amounts of time depending on the underwriting process.

Biopsy

A “biopsy” is a medical procedure involving the removal and examination of a small sample of tissue for diagnostic purposes.

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Calcification

The definition of “calcification” is the process in which calcium builds up in body tissue, causing the tissue to harden, which can occur in various parts of the body including soft tissues, arteries, and organs, and may lead to conditions such as spinal stenosis when it affects the ligamentum flavum in the spine.

California Civil Code

The California Civil Code comprises statutes governing the general obligations and rights of individuals within the state’s jurisdiction.

California Evidence Code

The California Evidence Code outlines rules governing the admissibility of evidence in criminal trials, including requirements for relevance, foundation, witness competence, examination procedures, hearsay, character evidence, privileges, and protections against prejudicial or misleading evidence.

California Vehicle Code

The California Vehicle Code (CVC) governs the operation, registration, and ownership of motor vehicles in the state, encompassing traffic regulations and criminal offenses related to driving.

Cancellation

Cancellation is the termination of insurance coverage within the policy period.

Capitation

A capitation arrangement is a compensation model within managed care contracts where a physician or medical provider receives a fixed payment, typically monthly, for each subscriber who selects their services.

Car

A car, also known as an automobile or motor vehicle, is defined as a four-wheeled land motor vehicle, licensed for public road use.

Car Accident

A car accident refers to a collision involving a motor vehicle and another object, which could include other vehicles, fixed objects like trees or buildings, people, or animals.

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Damages

Damages in a personal injury lawsuit can include medical expenses, lost wages, diminished employment opportunities, pain and suffering, loss of affection (also known as “loss of consortium”), and punitive damages.

Dangerous Road

A “dangerous road” refers to a roadway that is poorly designed, hazardous, or inadequately maintained, posing threats such as dangerous curves, inadequate lighting, potholes, or missing signage, which increase the risk of accidents and endanger the safety of drivers, necessitating governmental entities to uphold safety standards and minimize potential hazards.

Date of Loss

The date of loss is when an event causing property damage or loss, covered by an insurance policy, occurred, marking the beginning of claim filing deadlines and procedures.

Death Certificate

A death certificate is a legal document containing details about the deceased individual, including personal information, cause of death, and relevant family information, crucial in wrongful death cases.

Debridement

Debridement is the medical process of removing dead or unhealthy tissue from a wound to facilitate healing and reduce the risk of infection, typically performed when a wound isn’t healing properly on its own.

Decedent

A decedent is a legal term referring to a deceased individual, particularly relevant in wrongful death cases where one person dies due to the misconduct of another.

Declarations Page (Dec Page)

A Declarations Page, often abbreviated as “Dec Page,” is a document provided by an insurer summarizing key details of an insurance policy, including coverage types, limits, premiums, specified insured items, and other relevant information.

Declaratory Judgment

A declaratory judgment is a court ruling that defines the rights of parties regarding a legal question without ordering any action or awarding damages, though it may determine whether parties are entitled to relief, being legally binding but lacking preclusive effect under certain conditions.

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Ecchymosis

“Ecchymosis” is the medical term referring to bruises, which occur when blood pools under the skin due to a break in blood vessels, typically appearing as black and blue or red to purple marks on the skin that change color as they heal, often not requiring treatment.

Economic Damages

Economic damages encompass tangible financial losses resulting from harm caused by a defendant, such as medical bills, lost income, property damage, and related expenses.

Edema

Edema is the accumulation of excess fluid in the body’s tissues, commonly leading to swelling, most frequently observed in the legs and feet.

Effacement

Effacement refers to the compression or flattening of the thecal sac against the spinal cord, typically caused by conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis, which may lead to various symptoms depending on severity.

Effective Date

The effective date is when an insurance policy begins and provides coverage.

Effusion

“Effusion” refers to an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the hollow spaces or between tissues of the body, such as a pleural effusion, which is characterized by a collection of fluid between the two layers of membrane covering the lungs.

Eggshell Plaintiff

The concept of an eggshell plaintiff holds that a defendant is liable for exacerbating a pre-existing condition, regardless of the plaintiff’s vulnerability, aiming to prevent defendants from using pre-existing conditions to evade liability.

Ejection

“Ejection” refers to the forceful expulsion of an occupant from a vehicle during a collision, categorized as either complete ejection, where the occupant is entirely thrown out of the vehicle, or partial ejection, involving the expulsion of part of the occupant’s body through a windshield or window.

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Facet Disease

Facet disease refers to inflammation or arthritis in the facet joints of the spine, causing pain and limited movement, often felt in the neck, back, buttocks, or thighs.

Facet Hypertrophy

Facet hypertrophy refers to the enlargement or overgrowth of the facet joints in the spine, often caused by injury, arthritis, or aging, leading to chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

Facet Joint Injection

A facet joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure where medication is injected into a facet joint to provide pain relief, typically guided by fluoroscopy or CT imaging.

Facet Spondylosis

Facet spondylosis refers to the degeneration and arthritis of the facet joints in the spine, often causing pain and stiffness, especially in the neck and lower back.

Facetectomy

A facetectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both facet joints of a vertebra, aimed at relieving pressure on trapped nerves and reducing associated pain.

Failure to Maintain a Proper Lookout

“Failure to maintain a proper lookout” refers to not devoting full attention to driving, neglecting to continuously monitor road conditions, and failing to watch out for vehicles or pedestrians while operating a motor vehicle.

Failure to Respond

Failure to Respond occurs when a defendant fails to answer the complaint or file a motion to dismiss within the specified time, resulting in default, where the defendant cannot contest liability but may dispute the amount of damages.

Failure to Warn

“Failure to warn” refers to the manufacturer’s failure to adequately inform the public about potential risks associated with using their product.

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Gap in Treatment

A gap in treatment refers to a period between the occurrence of an injury and seeking medical care, or between medical appointments, potentially affecting the assessment of injury severity in personal injury claims.

Gap Insurance

Gap insurance covers the disparity between the depreciated value of your car and the amount owed on the loan in the event of theft or total loss.

Garaging Location

A garaging location is where your vehicle is primarily parked overnight and stored when not in use, and it’s essential to notify your insurance company if it changes to ensure accurate coverage.

Garnishment

Garnishment refers to the legal process of deducting money from a person’s paycheck or bank account to settle a debt owed as determined by a court judgment.

General Damages

General damages, often referred to as “noneconomic damages,” compensate for intangible losses such as pain, suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from an injury caused by someone else’s negligence.

General Liability Coverage

General liability coverage protects your business from claims of bodily injury, property damage, reputational harm, or advertising injury caused by your business operations.

General Release

A general release is a legal document that absolves a party from all claims and liabilities associated with a specific matter, often used in settlements to prevent further legal action.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a medical tool used to assess a person’s level of consciousness after a head injury, assigning scores based on eye, verbal, and motor responses.

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Hazard

A hazard is a situation that increases the likelihood or severity of a loss.

Head-On Accident

A head-on accident occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide directly with each other.

Health Care Expenses

Health care expenses refer to the costs incurred by individuals for medical treatments and services, including both past and future expenses related to injuries or illnesses.

Health Care Provider

A health care provider is a professional or institution that offers medical services or treatment, such as doctors, nurses, hospitals, and clinics.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is a policy that covers specified amounts for medical expenses or treatments.

Health Insurance Lien

A health insurance lien occurs when a health insurer seeks reimbursement for medical expenses paid on behalf of the insured individual as a result of injuries sustained in an accident, typically through a subrogation claim against any settlement or award received in a personal injury case.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law designed to protect patients’ sensitive health information by establishing national standards for its confidentiality and security.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is a healthcare plan with its own network of providers who agree to accept predetermined payment levels, typically offering lower premiums, copays, and coinsurance, primarily suitable for basic medical care, requiring selection of a primary care physician (PCP) for referrals within the network.

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Idiopathic

Idiopathic describes a disease or condition that arises without a known cause.

Impeach

To impeach means to discredit the testimony of a witness by proving that they have not told the truth or have been inconsistent.

Impound Fee

An impound fee is a charge incurred for immobilizing or seizing a vehicle, typically imposed by authorities or towing companies.

Incident Report

An incident report is a document used to record details about a specific event or occurrence, such as accidents, injuries, or near misses, in the workplace or elsewhere.

Indemnify

Indemnify means to compensate or protect someone against financial losses or liabilities, typically seen in insurance policies.

Independent Medical Examination (IME)

An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is a medical evaluation conducted by a doctor hired by an insurance company to assess an individual’s injuries and their relation to an accident or claim.

Independent Witness

An independent witness is a third party who observed the accident but was not directly involved, offering unbiased testimony regarding how the accident occurred.

Infection

An infection is caused when harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, enter the body and cause harm, often leading to symptoms like fever and illness.

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Jaywalking

Jaywalking refers to pedestrians crossing a roadway at a place between two adjacent intersections that is not a crosswalk.

Joint

A joint is where two or more bones meet, allowing movement, and can be susceptible to injury or pain due to various conditions such as arthritis or injury.

Joint and Several Liability

Joint and several liability in California means that each defendant in a personal injury case can be held fully responsible for paying all economic damages, regardless of their individual level of fault, allowing the victim to collect the entire judgment from any of the liable parties.

Judgment

Judgment is the final court order that determines which party prevails in the case and outlines their respective liabilities.

Judgment Proof

Being “judgment proof” means having no collectable income or assets, making it futile for a creditor to take legal action, as they wouldn’t be able to collect even if they won a lawsuit.

Judicial Decision

A judicial decision is a ruling by a court, determining the rights and obligations of parties based on facts and law presented before it.

Jury

A jury is a group of individuals selected to hear evidence and render a verdict in a trial, typically consisting of 12 jurors in criminal cases and varying numbers, often 6 or 12, in civil cases depending on the jurisdiction and type of case.

Jury Instructions

Jury instructions are explanations of the law given by the judge to the jury before they deliberate, outlining the legal principles that apply to the case at hand, both in civil and criminal trials.

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Keloid

A keloid is an abnormal scar that grows beyond the original injury site, often forming thick, raised tissue on the skin.

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Labral Tear

A labral tear is an injury to the cartilage that lines the hip socket, often causing hip or groin pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.

Labrum Tear

A labrum tear is an injury to the cartilage that lines the shoulder socket, often resulting from trauma or repetitive strain, causing symptoms like shoulder pain, stiffness, and instability.

Laceration

A laceration is a skin wound caused by tearing of soft tissue, often irregular and jagged, typically requiring treatment to stop bleeding and prevent infection.

Lamina

The lamina is the part of the vertebra that connects the spinous process and the transverse process, often involved in back surgeries to relieve pressure on spinal nerve roots, such as in spinal stenosis.

Laminectomy

Laminectomy is a surgical procedure that relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves by removing bone spurs and tissue from the vertebrae’s back part (lamina), often used to treat symptoms like radiating pain, weakness, or numbness caused by spinal stenosis or herniated discs.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting refers to the practice of driving a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, legally allowed in California.

Lapse in Coverage

Lapse refers to the termination of a policy resulting from the failure to pay the required renewal premium.

Last Clear Chance

The last clear chance doctrine assigns fault to a defendant in personal injury cases if they had an opportunity to prevent an accident but failed to do so, even if the plaintiff was also negligent. California, as a comparative negligence state, does not follow this doctrine.

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic test that creates images of non-bone tissues using magnetic fields, often utilized after car accidents to diagnose injuries.

Make Whole Doctrine

The Make Whole Doctrine is a legal principle in California stating that an insured individual must be fully compensated for damages before an insurance company can seek reimbursement for payments made.

Malpractice

Malpractice refers to alleged professional misconduct or negligence resulting in loss or injury.

Malunion

A malunion is a condition where a fractured bone heals in an abnormal position, potentially impairing function and causing deformity.

Manufacturing Defect

A manufacturing defect is a flaw or error that occurs during the production process of a product, potentially leading to malfunctions or safety hazards.

Marriage

Marriage is a personal relation arising from a civil contract between two consenting individuals, formalized through the issuance of a license and solemnization as authorized by law.

Material Misrepresentation

Material misrepresentation refers to false statements, omissions, or concealments made during the application process for insurance coverage, which could affect the terms of the policy or coverage eligibility.

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is the stage in an injured individual’s recovery where their condition has stabilized, and further recovery is not expected, indicating any remaining disabilities or injuries are permanent.

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Named Insured

Named insured means the individual(s) or organization(s) designated as the named insured(s) on the Declarations Page.

Negligence

Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in loss or damage to oneself or others.

Negligence Per Se

Negligence per se is the legal doctrine where a defendant automatically breaches their duty of care by violating a statute or regulation, requiring only proof of causation and damages for liability.

Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (NIED)

In California, negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED) allows recovery of damages for emotional harm caused by someone’s negligence, either as a direct victim or as a bystander who witnessed an injury to a close relative, entailing economic and non-economic damages such as medical bills and pain and suffering.

Negligent Supervision

Negligent supervision refers to the failure of a person or entity responsible for oversight to prevent harm caused by someone under their supervision, potentially leading to liability under California personal injury law.

Negotiation

Negotiation in a car accident lawsuit involves both parties bargaining over the value of the victim’s costs and losses until they reach an acceptable settlement amount or proceed to litigation.

Nerve Compression

Nerve compression occurs when pressure is applied to a peripheral nerve, often leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage refers to any impairment or injury to the nerves, which can result in symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

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Obituary Notice

“Obituary Notice” is a detailed biography of the deceased, often written by the newspaper’s staff, offering a personal tribute and significant biographical information.

Objective Findings

“Objective findings” refer to factual observations or measurements made during medical evaluations, such as diagnostic test results or physical examinations, which are independent of the patient’s subjective experiences or opinions.

Oblique Fracture

An oblique fracture is characterized by a diagonal break across the bone, often caused by landing on the bone at an angle or from a sudden impact.

Occipital Nerve Block Injection

An occipital nerve block injection involves injecting anesthetic medication near the occipital nerve to temporarily relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with certain headache disorders or neck injuries.

Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by sharp, shooting, or throbbing pain that radiates from the base of the skull to the scalp, often affecting one or both sides of the head.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps individuals of all ages improve their ability to perform daily activities, regain independence, and manage challenges arising from injuries, health issues, or chronic conditions.

Occupying

Occupying means in, on, entering, or exiting.

Occurrence

An occurrence is an accident or injurious exposure to conditions during the policy period that results in bodily injury or property damage not expected or intended by the insured.

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Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering refers to the physical discomfort and emotional distress experienced as a result of a personal injury, such as anxiety, depression, physical pain, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life, for which compensation may be sought in a lawsuit.

Pain Management

Pain management involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating various types of pain, such as acute pain from car accident injuries or chronic pain, using non-surgical methods to alleviate discomfort.

Pain Rating Scale

A pain rating scale is a standardized tool, often numerical or descriptive, used to measure and assess an individual’s subjective experience of pain, aiding in quantifying and documenting pain and suffering in personal injury cases.

Paralegal

A paralegal is a legal professional who assists attorneys with various tasks such as communication with clients, document management, and scheduling in legal cases.

Paralysis

Paralysis is the loss of muscle function in part of or all of the body, often resulting from spinal cord injuries caused by traumatic events like car accidents.

Paraplegia

Paraplegia is a type of paralysis characterized by the loss of function in the lower limbs and trunk area, often resulting from traumatic events such as car accidents or serious falls.

Paresthesia

Paresthesia refers to numbness, tingling, burning, or prickling sensations commonly felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet, often indicating sensory nerve dysfunction.

Partial Liability

Partial liability refers to the situation where more than one party contributes to a car accident, with each party being assigned a percentage of fault based on their actions or negligence.

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Quadriplegic

Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is a condition resulting in paralysis of all four limbs and the torso.

Quality of Life

Quality of life refers to a person’s overall satisfaction and enjoyment in their daily living, encompassing emotional, physical, and mental well-being.

Quid Pro Quo

Quid pro quo refers to an exchange where something is given or done in return for something else, often implying a mutual benefit or favor.

Quote

A quote is an estimated cost of insurance provided by the insurance company based on information supplied by the applicant.

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Legal Representative

A legal representative is an individual who represents another person’s interests in legal matters, such as an attorney representing a client in court proceedings or negotiations.

Racing

Racing means participating in any race, speed, demolition, stunt, or timed contest or activity, whether organized or not.

Radicular Pain

Radicular pain, also known as neuropathy, arises when a nerve root is compressed or irritated, often due to conditions like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or degenerative disc disease.

Radiculitis

Radiculitis is a condition involving inflammation and irritation of spinal nerve roots, distinct from radiculopathy, as it typically presents with more severe symptoms and inflammation in addition to pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is a condition characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms or legs caused by pinched or damaged nerve roots emanating from the spinal cord.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also known as rhizotomy, is a procedure that uses heat generated from radio waves to target and destroy nerve tissue, providing lasting relief for chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or spinal issues.

Radiologist

Radiologists are medical professionals who specialize in using various imaging techniques, such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans, to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases within the body.

Rate

A rate refers to the amount of money charged by an insurance company to provide coverage for a specific vehicle, determined by factors like driving history, age, and the type of coverage selected.

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Examination Under Oath (EUO)

An Examination Under Oath (EUO) is a formal questioning session conducted by an insurance company or its representatives, often prompted by suspicion of fraudulent activity or to gather crucial information regarding a claim.

Muscle Spasm

A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary, and often painful contraction of a muscle.

Sacralization

Sacralization is a condition where the bottom vertebra of the spine fuses partially or completely with the top of the pelvis, potentially causing back pain or physical limitations.

Sacroiliac

Sacroiliac refers to the joints between the sacrum and the ilium, connecting the pelvis and the lower spine to support the body’s weight when standing.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injection

A sacroiliac (SI) joint injection involves the direct injection of medicine into the sacroiliac joint to diagnose or treat low back pain originating from this joint, where the spine connects to the pelvis.

Salvage Yard

A salvage yard, also known as a junkyard, buys wrecked or unusable vehicles, salvages usable parts, and sells them to consumers.

Salvage-Title Vehicle

A salvage-title vehicle is one that was severely damaged in the past, declared a total loss by the insurance company, repaired, and deemed roadworthy again, often selling for less but with potential problems.

Scar

A scar is a mark left on the skin after a wound has healed, typically composed of fibrous tissue, and may vary in appearance and texture.

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Blood Transfusion

A blood transfusion is the process of receiving donated blood through a tube placed in a vein, often used to replace lost blood due to surgery, injury, or illness.

T-Bone Accident

A T-bone accident occurs when the front end of one car crashes into the side of another, often resulting in severe injuries due to the impact.

Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a medical condition characterized by a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute, often caused by various irregular heart rhythms.

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) refers to a condition where an individual can only return to modified or light work after an accident, receiving compensation for the loss of income due to their partial disability.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) refers to a situation where an individual cannot work at all during their recovery from an injury or illness, receiving compensation to cover lost wages.

Tendinosis

Tendinosis is a condition characterized by the degeneration of tendon collagen due to chronic overuse, resulting in decreased strength and flexibility, often confused with tendinitis.

Tendon

A tendon is a strong, flexible tissue that connects muscles to bones, facilitating movement.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons, causing pain, tenderness, and swelling near a joint, commonly occurring around shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.

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UCR (Usual, Customary and Reasonable)

UCR (usual, customary, and reasonable) fees are the standard charges for medical services in a particular area, determined by what providers typically charge and what the insurance company deems appropriate, often influencing the amount covered by insurance.

Ulcer

An ulcer is a slow-healing sore that can appear internally or externally on the body, caused by injuries, diseases, or infections, and can lead to serious problems if left untreated.

Ulna

The ulna is one of the bones in your forearm, supporting arm, wrist, and hand movement, and it can be affected by fractures and osteoporosis.

Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance provides extra coverage beyond existing policies for protection against various liabilities, injuries, property damage, and certain lawsuits.

Unconsciousness

Unconsciousness occurs when a person is unable to respond to stimuli or activities, often resulting from major illness, injury, substance use, or other medical emergencies.

Uncovertebral Hypertrophy

Uncovertebral hypertrophy refers to the enlargement or swelling of the uncovertebral joints in the neck, often causing stiffness and pain, and is commonly associated with age-related degeneration or arthritis.

Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage

Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage financially protects you if you’re in an accident caused by a driver whose insurance doesn’t cover all your expenses.

Underwriter

An underwriter evaluates and classifies the risk level of a prospective insured to decide on coverage and premium rates.

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Vandalism

Vandalism refers to intentionally damaging or defacing property, such as slashing tires, breaking windows, or keying a car.

Vehicle

A vehicle refers to a land motor vehicle designed primarily for use on public roads, typically of the private passenger, pickup body, or sedan delivery type, with a minimum of four wheels, and having a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less or a load capacity of one ton or less.

Vehicle History Report

A vehicle history report is a summary of a used car’s past, detailing information such as ownership, accidents, mileage accuracy, title status, and more, helping buyers make informed decisions.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to each specific automobile, serving as its fingerprint and providing information about its features, specifications, manufacturer, and history.

Ventral

Ventral refers to the front or anterior side of any structure, such as the chest, abdomen, shins, palms, and soles, in contrast to dorsal.

Venue

Venue refers to the county where a lawsuit is filed, typically based on factors such as where the defendant resides, where the dispute arose, or where a contract was entered into or breached.

Verdict

A verdict is the decision made by a jury at the conclusion of a trial, determining the defendant’s guilt or innocence.

Vertebrae

Vertebrae are the individual bones that make up the spine, providing structural support and protecting the spinal cord and nerves.

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Collision Deductible Waiver

A collision deductible waiver, also known as a CDW, is an optional insurance feature that waives your collision deductible if you have a qualifying claim, typically when an uninsured driver damages your vehicle.

W-9

A W-9 is a tax form used to gather taxpayer information from individuals or businesses, typically requested by payors who may need to issue a Form 1099 at the end of the year.

Wage Loss Authorization

A wage loss authorization is a form that allows insurance companies access to an individual’s employment records for assessing lost wages in personal injury or workers’ compensation cases.

Waiver

A waiver is a legal agreement where one party voluntarily gives up a right or claim, typically in exchange for some benefit, and can be written or implied through actions.

Warranty

A warranty is a contract between a consumer and a manufacturer that promises repairs or replacements for certain damages or parts within a specified period.

Wear and Tear

Wear and tear refers to the gradual deterioration of an item due to everyday use, and it’s typically not covered by insurance because it’s expected maintenance.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden, forceful movement of the neck, often occurring in rear-end car crashes or other traumas, leading to symptoms like neck pain and stiffness.

Will

A will, also known as a last will and testament, is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets and property to be distributed after your death, as well as other instructions such as guardianship for dependents or pets.

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X-Ray

An X-ray is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses radiation to create images of bones, joints, and other internal structures, commonly used to detect fractures, abnormalities, and joint dislocations.

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Yielding

Yielding means giving the right of way to other road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow.

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Zone of Danger

The “zone of danger” refers to the area where a person is at risk of physical harm due to another party’s negligent conduct, allowing them to potentially recover damages for emotional distress if they witness a loved one’s serious injury or death caused by that conduct.

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