Res Ipsa Loquitur in Personal Injury Cases

Man testifying in court to demonstrate legal term of res ipsa loquitur

Res Ipsa Loquitur (RIL) is a legal doctrine that is invoked in certain situations in a personal injury case. It is predominantly used in cases where direct evidence is lacking in support of an injury. But when, specifically, does res ipsa loquitur apply, and is it enough to win a case on its own? Read our article to find out more.  What is Res Ipsa Loquitur? Res Ipsa Loquitur is Latin for "the thing speaks for itself." Unsurprisingly, it has its roots in Ancient Rome, when it was first put forth in Ciceros’ speech “Pro Milone.” In the speech, he defends his...

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What is an Expert Witness?

An expert witness giving testimony during a trial

Expert Witness Testimony in a Personal Injury Case When legal disputes involve complex technical or specialized knowledge, one or more expert witnesses may be consulted. Expert witnesses are individuals who possess specialized knowledge, training, or experience in a particular field relevant to a legal case. They provide unbiased, professional opinions and testimony to assist the court in understanding matters that lie beyond the knowledge of the average person. In this article, we will explore the role of expert witnesses, look at some examples, and discuss the impact an expert witness can have on a personal injury case. When is an Expert Witness...

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Respondeat Superior in Personal Injury

Man serving coffee or tea to woman sitting at table

Respondeat superior is a legal doctrine that assigns liability to an employer for the negligent actions of an employee. Let’s take a look at some common examples of when respondeat superior may be invoked in a premises liability or personal injury case, and what to do if you are hurt by an employee at a place of business.  What Does Respondeat Superior Mean? Respondeat superior is a Latin phrase meaning “that the master must answer.” It has its roots in Ancient Rome, where it was largely applied to slaves who had caused injury to a third party while in the service of...

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What Do Adjusters Do?

man with clipboard inspects property damage

Insurance companies employ adjusters to help facilitate the processing of a claim. Whether you are seeking reimbursement for home, auto, health, or life insurance, odds are you will be working directly or indirectly with an adjuster. In general, adjusters exist as a liaison between the policyholder and the insurer. The work of an adjuster can be broken down to accommodate various subtasks and specialties. We will take a look at three common types of adjusters and their typical responsibilities.  Company Adjuster A company adjuster is the most common type of adjuster. These individuals are employed by your insurance company to help process your...

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Understanding Bad Faith Insurance Claims

Policyholders pay insurance premiums under the impression that they will be reasonably assisted in the event they need to file a claim. They expect adequate coverage to pay for damages, and they assume they will be protected from any claims made against them by other individuals. In most cases, this is true. Insurance companies act in good faith, making reasonable pay-outs and negotiating in their policyholders best interests. Unfortunately, the opposite also happens. An insurance company may deny a claim without just cause, fail to communicate important matters, or offer a settlement that is far too low.  What is a Bad Faith...

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