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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What you MUST know before buying car insurance
One of the most important factors in determining whether you are able to take legal action after a car accident is the tort option on your auto insurance policy. Unfortunately, many people don’t know what tort option they have.
Listen as Attorney Marion Munley explains the difference between full and limited tort, and why it makes a big difference.
Full Tort vs. Limited Tort
When buying car insurance In Pennsylvania, you have the option to choose full tort or limited tort. Full tort allows you to pursue legal action in the event of an accident, regardless of the severity of your injuries. Limited tort, on the other hand, limits your right to compensation in an auto accident. And, this limitation does not just apply to you – it may also apply to the other members of your household.
With a limited tort policy, […]
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$750k settlement for truck accident victim
Victim to receive compensation for injuries sustained in truck accident
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys announced Friday that a $750,000 settlement has been reached in a tractor trailer accident case which was scheduled to go to trial this month before the Honorable Robert D. Mariani, United States District Court Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in Scranton.
Robert W. Munley III noted that “Our client brought this lawsuit to achieve justice for the suffering and trauma that he and his family have endured since this accident. We have been honored to represent him, and we hope that this settlement will help not only our client but will go a long way towards improving safe driving conditions for truckers and drivers alike.”
Mr. Munley and Julia K. Munley, both experienced trial attorneys at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, […]
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Another Victory For Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys attorneys deliver successful verdict for injured client
A jury returned a verdict in the amount of $200,500 in favor of Sandra Seamans of New Milford, Pa. on Wednesday, September 10, 2014, following three days of testimony before the Honorable Malachy Mannion. Mrs. Seamans claimed she was injured following a rear-end automobile accident that occurred in 2011 on I-81 South near Exit 223.
The Defendant in the case was Universal Technical Institute and its employee. The verdict awarded damages to Mrs. Seamans for wage loss and pain and suffering resulting from chronic neck and back pain that she suffered in the accident. We are thrilled with the verdict,” said lead attorney, Marion Munley. “Justice was served.”
Sandra Seamans was represented by Marion Munley, Caroline Munley and Julia Munley of Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys.
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Allstate’s $950,000 Blunder
Allstate required to pay out nearly a million dollars after delaying insurance coverage of fatal car crash
Attorney Daniel W. Munley, a partner in the law firm of Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, negotiated a $950,000.00 settlement on behalf of the family of a teenager killed in an automobile crash in 2001.
The defendant, who received his driver’s license just weeks before, was driving his mother’s Camaro at an excessive speed when he crossed double yellow lines to pass another vehicle and lost control of his automobile. The plaintiff’s son was thrown from the vehicle and suffered a fatal wound.
The defendant’s insurance company, Allstate, failed to pay its obvious driver’s liability and delayed the case for a number of years. Attorney Munley offered Allstate numerous opportunities to act in good faith, essentially requiring them to pay out the policy limit of $25,000.00. After a time extension and several attempts to contact Allstate, […]
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Victims Win Record Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Truck Accident Settlement
The victims of a 2010 Pennsylvania wrongful death truck accident recently agreed to a record $26.1 million settlement of their claims against the truck driver, the truck company and other defendants. The accident occurred on June 6, 2010, on Interstate 80 East when a tractor-trailer rear-ended a Toyota Matrix that was stuck in traffic for road construction. One occupant of the Toyota, the driver’s father, was fatally injured. Two others, including the driver, received serious, life-threatening injuries. Two dogs in the car were also killed.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, who apparently was speeding, said the sun was in his eyes; however, the sun was actually behind him at the time. Because the driver’s recollection of the accident appeared fuzzy, it was alleged that he may have been driving drowsy or even fallen asleep at the wheel, though this was never proven.
Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Actions
The victim of a truck accident has the option to file a personal injury accident lawsuit to recover compensation for any injuries. […]
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