Jones Act, Joint and Several Liability, Judgment Proof, Joint Tortfeasor and more. Each definition explains what the term means and why it changes a number.
Federal law allowing a seaman injured through employer negligence to sue directly, with a jury trial.
Why it matters: It is far more generous than land-based compensation schemes, which is why seaman status is fought over.
Run the oil rig & offshore injury →A rule allowing a claimant to recover the full award from any one liable defendant.
Why it matters: It matters most when one defendant is insured and another is not.
A defendant with no meaningful assets or insurance, against whom a judgment cannot realistically be collected.
Why it matters: A large verdict against an uninsured individual is frequently worth nothing.
Run the settlement vs trial →One of several parties whose combined conduct caused a single injury.
Why it matters: Adding a second liable party often doubles the collectible coverage behind a claim.
Run the truck accident claim →An annuity continuing payments to a surviving spouse after the first death.
Why it matters: It pays less per year in exchange for removing the risk of a survivor losing the income.
Run the annuity income →A creditor's claim recorded against your property after winning a court judgment.
Why it matters: It typically must be paid before a property can be sold with clear title.
Run the home sale net proceeds →The authority of a court to hear a case, determined by geography and subject matter.
Why it matters: Choosing the right one affects deadlines, damages caps and the available jury pool.
Run the settlement vs trial →