Personal Injury
| No Strict Liability for Defamation |
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| A lawsuit for defamation has the following basic elements: (1) making a false statement (2) about a person (3) to others, and (4) actual damages (if the harm to the person is not apparent). There is a fifth element when the person is a public official or public figure. The person who made the statement has to have made it with a known or reckless disregard of the truth. This article discusses a matter related to the fifth element, the prohibition against strict liability. More... |
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| Federal Tort Claims Act -- Notice of Claim |
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| Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), a person who plans to file a personal injury action against the federal government must present a written "notice of claim," or "administrative claim," to the government agency that is allegedly responsible for the injury. A notice of claim is a prerequisite to a personal injury action against the federal government. If no notice of claim has been given, a court will dismiss the action. More... |
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| Damages in Different Types of Lawsuits |
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| Damages are awarded to an injured party who suffers harm, loss, or damage as a result of a defendant's intentional or negligent conduct. The type of lawsuit brought depends upon the nature of the harm, loss, or damage caused, and the type of damages awarded depends upon the type of lawsuit brought. More... |
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| The Jones Act -- Maintenance and Cure |
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| Under the Jones Act and general maritime law, a seaman who is injured in the course and scope of his employment may recover "maintenance" and "cure" benefits from his employer, even if the employer was not negligent and the vessel was not unseaworthy. Maintenance and cure benefits are similar to workmen's compensation benefits; however, no government agency is involved in the administration of maintenance and cure benefits. More... |
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| Intoxication As a Defense to Negligence |
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| Intoxication is not a defense to negligence. A person who is intoxicated when he commits a negligent act will be held to the same standard as a person who is not intoxicated. The actions of an intoxicated person will not be judged by the standard of a reasonably prudent intoxicated person. More... |
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