Law Library Articles

Top 10 Personal Injury Articles in the LegalMatch Law Library

Many people remember the famous case where a woman sued McDonalds because her coffee was too hot. At a glance, this case may seem ridiculous. Who goes out of their way to sue a company over spilt coffee?

However, if you look into the details of the case, you quickly realize that the woman actually had a very legitimate complaint. The spilled coffee caused third degree burns which required skin grafts on a large area of her body. Her injuries took two years to heal. Given these facts, the question becomes, who wouldn’t try to receive compensation for such a severe and easily avoidable injury?

Personal injury law (or tort law) covers a wide range of civil complaints, from hot coffee to plane crashes. For an overview of this area of law, here are the Top 10 Personal Injury Articles from the LegalMatch Law Library.

1. How to Sue for Emotional Distress

You may be able to sue for emotional distress if someone’s actions have caused you significant mental anguish. To succeed, you generally need to prove that the other party’s conduct was outrageous or negligent. This article explains the types of evidence needed for such a claim.

2. When Can a Motion to Dismiss Be Filed?

A motion to dismiss is a request made to the court to throw out a case. A defendant often files this motion at the very beginning of a lawsuit. It argues that there is a legal reason why the lawsuit should not continue.

3. Libel and Slander

Libel and slander are both forms of defamation that can harm a person’s reputation. Libel refers to defamatory statements that are written down. Slander, on the other hand, involves spoken defamatory statements. Read this article to learn more about your rights regarding these legal concepts.

4. Nail Salon Lawyers

Injuries at nail salons, like infections or burns, can sometimes lead to a lawsuit. If the salon was negligent in its safety or hygiene practices, it may be held responsible. A lawyer can help you determine if you have a valid claim for your injuries.

5. Suing a Food Company

If you get sick from a contaminated food product, you might be able to sue the food company. These cases often fall under product liability law. You will need to show that the food was defective and caused your illness.

6. Self-Representation in Civil Cases

You have the right to represent yourself in a civil lawsuit without a lawyer. This is also known as appearing “pro se.” This article discusses the responsibilities involved and things to consider before deciding to represent yourself in court.

7. What Is a Motion to Quash?

A motion to quash is a legal request to have a court invalidate or cancel something. It is often used to challenge a subpoena. If the motion is granted, the person who received the subpoena does not have to comply with it.

8. Assault and Battery Victim

Assault and battery are separate acts, but they often occur together. A victim of these acts can pursue a civil lawsuit to recover for their injuries. This is a separate process from any criminal charges the attacker may face.

9. What Is a Frivolous Lawsuit?

A frivolous lawsuit is one that is filed without any real legal or factual basis. These types of cases are meant to harass or annoy the other party. Courts have rules in place to penalize those who file such claims.

10. What to Expect at a Pretrial Hearing

A pretrial hearing is a meeting before the actual trial begins. The judge and the lawyers for both sides discuss the issues of the case. They may also try to settle the case or set schedules for what happens next.