IN Shaler Spring 2016 | Page 28

SPECIAL SECTION: FA M I LY LAW PERSONAL INJURY LAW Personal injury or tort lawsuits refer to injuries to the body, mind, or emotional well-being of an individual. Typically, in a personal injury suit, an individual (defendant) who has caused harm compensates the individual (plaintiff) who suffered the harm. Damages awarded to the plaintiff are often negotiated and agreed upon by both parties or ordered by a judge. It is important to act quickly when you’ve been injured to protect your rights, as there are time limits, called statute of limitations, that vary by state that confine your opportunity to take action. What is the most common personal injury case? Answer: Automobile accidents. F