What is a Defendant?
In civil or criminal law, a defendant is an individual being sued or accused of committing a crime.
What is a Defendant?
According to Black’s Law Dictionary, a defendant is “A person against whom relief or recovery is sought in an action or suit.” As such, in criminal cases, defendants are charged with offenses by the government or state, while in civil cases, they are typically sued by plaintiffs seeking compensation or other legal remedies. The role of a defendant is to defend themselves against the accusations brought forth by the prosecution or plaintiff. For example, in insurance law, a defendant would be the person who caused an injury, such as hurting someone in a car accident, along with their insurance company.
In legal contexts, defendants enjoy certain rights, such as the right to a fair trial, the right to legal representation, and the right to present a defense. These rights ensure that the legal process remains just and balanced. For instance, in criminal cases, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This presumption places the burden of proof on the prosecution to demonstrate the defendant’s guilt.
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Personal Injury Glossary Terms
This glossary provides a quick-access resource for looking up definitions of terms you will likely encounter while seeking compensation.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W
A
Accident Report — A detailed official record of an incident created on-site by an authority figure such as a police officer or hospital staff member.
Act of God — An unforeseen event caused by natural forces without human involvement that couldn’t have been prevented with reasonable care, […]
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Pittsburgh Erb’s Palsy Lawyer
Erb’s Palsy is a full or partial paralysis of the arm caused by nerve damage. Because Erb’s Palsy is often avoidable, in some cases, parents may be able to take legal action against the doctors or other medical professionals involved in the delivery process. This kind of personal injury case, which falls under the umbrella of medical malpractice, is complicated. Working with a Pittsburgh Erb’s Palsy lawyer with specific expertise in this subject area is the best way to set yourself and your family up for success.
Contact our Munley Law today for a free consultation and learn how we can fight to protect your best interests after a birth injury.
What Is Erb’s Palsy?
Also known as Erb-Duchenne paralysis, Erb’s palsy is one of multiple possible brachial plexus injuries. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves with roots in the neck, […]
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Pittsburgh Slip and Fall Lawyer
Obtaining Justice for Slip, Trip, and Fall Victims in Pennsylvania
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases. Over 8 million emergency room visits every year can be attributed to slips and falls. These premises liability accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, with no warning.
Property owners, businesses, and residents must keep a property free of slip and fall hazards. When they fail in this duty, the resulting hazardous conditions can lead to serious, life-altering injuries. If you have suffered from a slip and fall accident on another’s property due to their negligence, you deserve compensation.
At Munley Law, our Pittsburgh personal injury attorneys have helped people in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania for over six decades. We aren’t afraid to fight property owners and big businesses who try to escape their responsibilities and duties to their patrons. […]
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Pittsburgh Bus Accident Lawyer
Were You Involved in a Bus Accident in Pittsburgh? Let Munley Law Help
Travel by bus is a popular and widely used mode of transportation throughout the country. Buses offer several advantages, including affordability, accessibility, and the environmentally friendly ability to carry a large number of passengers all at once.
Despite the benefits, as with all vehicles, buses are not immune to accidents. Furthermore, due to their size and the potential number of people traveling on a bus, the consequences of a bus accident can be devastating.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a bus accident in Pittsburgh, call our experienced bus accident attorneys at Munley Laws Pittsburgh Personal Injury Attorneys to discuss your options. Our team of bus injury lawyers possesses significant expertise in handling bus accident cases, and we have successfully represented clients against major bus companies throughout the country. […]
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Pittsburgh Premises Liability Lawyer
If You Were Injured at Someone’s Home, Business or Property in Pittsburgh, Take Action with a Liability Claim
To get the compensation you deserve, contact a leading Pittsburgh premises liability lawyer today. Under Pennsylvania law, property and business owners must make their premises safe for customers and visitors. However, every year, millions of Americans slip, fall, or suffer other injuries because of unsafe conditions on other people’s properties. If you or someone you love suffered injuries from an accident at a home, store, or business, you need an award-winning Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer. You need Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys. If you are ready to let a Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys lawyer fight for MAXIMUM COMPENSATION for your injuries, schedule your FREE consultation today.
At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we are an award-winning law firm with deep Pennsylvania roots
In 1959, […]
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