If you're involved in a legal dispute for the first time, the preponderance of legalese can be more than a little intimidating. To have a better grasp of your case and the legal processes involved in it, you should strive to be as informed as possible about legal terminology and phrasing. Below, personal injury attorney, Marc D. Orloff, Attorney at Law, in Goshen, New York, defines and discusses four essential legal terms.

4 Key Legal Terms Defined

1. Fault

Fault is a failure to act reasonably and safely. It can be a willful avoidance of responsibility, or it can take the form of negligence, which is caused by the at-fault party's inaction. Fault is a commonly used term in personal injury cases, particularly in car accident claims. Drivers have an unspoken, but nonetheless crucial, obligation to behave lawfully and cautiously whenever they are behind the wheel.

2. Litigation

Litigation is the act of filing a lawsuit. It is not strictly limited to courtroom-related events like hearings and trials; it encompasses all aspects of legal action. When you've filed a lawsuit and are in the process of settlement negotiations, this is still considered a component of litigation.

3. Damages

Damages are the types of payments you seek in a civil suit or personal injury claim. In other words, they are monetary compensation for the costs and losses associated with the setback or injury you've suffered. A typical injury claim might include damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

4. Wrongful Death

In wrongful death litigation, the survivors of a deceased person who died as the result of a personal injury file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Many wrongful death cases are launched by people who were financially dependent on the deceased individual. They might seek compensation for their pain and suffering, as well as injury-related medical costs accrued by their departed loved one before they passed away.

Call (845) 294-8974 or visit the law office of Marc D. Orloff, Attorney at Law, online to arrange a consultation with a personal injury attorney. You can also follow them on Facebook and Google+ for more information and to stay informed of legal tips, news, and advice. If you've been injured, you deserve to have the resources you need to recover and move forward; have the support of an experienced personal injury attorney, and call Marc D. Orloff today.