Grounds To File A Lawsuit? What To Know
Posted on: 20 July 2021
Many have heard the phrase grounds to sue but perhaps did not know what was meant. Understanding this term and all of its complexities may be unnecessary for many, but it might interest those who have been harmed. To learn more about this phrase along with how to make sure you are paid for the harm done to you, read on.
What Are Grounds?
The word grounds, in this instance, refers to proof that harm was done to someone. Also, it means that fault for the harm done can be laid at the feet of someone. People and businesses are liable for the harm that can come to others. That makes them legally responsible for paying the price when that duty falls short.
Harm Done
Before you can sue someone, you must prove that harm has been done. When you are speaking of a personal injury suit, that has to mean, at the very least, that physical harm occurred. Car accidents, slip and falls in stores, and other types of physical injuries are in this category. For other types of civil cases, physical harm is not necessary. However, you still have to show that something was harmed. Take the below example:
- Defamation is when someone spoke or wrote untrue and harmful things about you. That can result in embarrassment, damage to personal relationships, career damage, reputation, and more.
Even though no physical harm occurred, the psychological effects of those types of harm can be documented and used to prove a case just as easily as medical records can.
Who Caused the Harm?
The other main element of grounds to sue involves showing that the defendant was liable and caused the harm. With a car accident, the person driving the other car is often tagged in a suit along with their auto insurer. If you slip and fall and in a grocery store, the store may be responsible since they are supposed to keep the floors dry and safe. This area may not be clear, though. Some might claim, for instance, that the other driver actually caused the accident. Take also the example of a gym patron injured using the equipment. The patron signed a release that prevented them from suing if it can be shown that they failed to follow the rules of the business.
You probably don't need to spend a lot of time trying to figure out the above issues. Take your information to a personal injury lawyer and let them evaluate your case. If you are owed money damages, the lawyer will do everything possible to obtain it for you.
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