Legal Jargon

The process following disclosure where the actual documents disclosed by the other party in a case/claim are considered and reviewed.

In a personal injury claim, the defendant may allege that the claimant is being substantially dishonest and portraying an untrue recollection of the facts.

In medical negligence and personal injury cases, general damages are an element of the overall compensation awarded that cover pain, suffering and loss of amenity. In other types of civil claim, this can vary depending on the facts of the case and type of claim being pursued.

The process by which one party can bring an application to the court to make the other party comply with the terms of the order. The court may impose penalties on the non-compliant party and in some situations can change the terms of the order to meet the intentions of the original order.

The process of explaining your witness statement to the Court in person at a court hearing. Normally a witness statement will provide the basis for this although your solicitor or barrister may seek to ask some further questions in order to draw our further information and/or context.

The person or persons appointed in a will to deal with the administration of a deceased person’s estate. This could involve dealing with the deceased’s bank account, selling properties and distributing money to the beneficiaries named in the will.

Someone appointed to advise the court about a matter requiring specific expertise, such as medical, engineering or valuation evidence. Expert witnesses can be appointed by one party or jointly by both parties.

The document served by a Defendant if they do not admit the whole claim against them.

A person, company or other legal entity defending a court claim that has been commenced against them.

An agreement between solicitors, barristers and clients to defer payment of legal fees until a later date.