A claim that the defendant in a suit has against the plaintiff from the same transaction.

Discovery allows both parties to “discover” information in the case. The purpose is to narrow the basis of the complaint and to eliminate surprises to both parties.

Written questions by one party to the other, which are answered under oath.

A formal interview under oath in the presence of a court reporter. The answers in a deposition are oral.

Only about 1% of all personal injury cases end in a court; most will settle.

Usually, it will include attorney, clerk, witness, and docket fees.

Principles that govern relationships between people, where no crime has been committed.

When a large group of plaintiffs sues a large group of defendants naming a representative in place of the entire group. Examples would be the tobacco industry suits and the suits against the drug manufacturers of the popular diet medications, such as fen-phen.

A failure to act reasonably in a situation. Doing something carelessly or failing to do something, i.e. driving without your headlights on.

Damages awarded to punish the defendant.