Legal liability

What Does it Mean When Someone is Held Liable?

Legal liability refers to the legal responsibility one person or entity has for their actions or omissions that cause harm or damage to another person or their property. It is a fundamental concept in the legal system that holds individuals and businesses accountable for their conduct and ensures that those who suffer losses or injuries due to the actions of others are entitled to compensation.

The concept of legal liability operates in various contexts, including personal injury cases, contract disputes, and criminal matters. In each scenario, the key element is establishing that the person or entity had a duty of care towards the affected party and that they breached that duty, resulting in harm or damage.

In personal injury cases, legal liability arises when someone's negligent or intentional actions cause injuries to another person. For example, if a driver runs a red light and collides with another vehicle, causing bodily injury to the occupants, the driver may be held liable for the damages suffered by the injured parties. The injured individuals, known as plaintiffs, can file a lawsuit against the negligent driver, the defendant, seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related damages.

How Is Liability Established?

To establish legal liability in a personal injury case, the plaintiff must demonstrate several elements. 

• The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed them a duty of care. In the example above, all drivers on the road owe a duty of care to operate their vehicles responsibly and follow traffic laws.
• The plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached their duty of care. In the car accident scenario, the defendant breached their duty by running the red light, which is a violation of traffic laws and constitutes negligence.
• The plaintiff must establish that the defendant's breach of duty directly caused their injuries. They need to demonstrate a causal link between the defendant's actions and the harm suffered. In the car accident case, the plaintiff must show that their injuries were a direct result of the defendant's negligent driving.

• The plaintiff must quantify their damages. This involves determining the extent of their injuries, the financial losses incurred, and the impact on their quality of life. By presenting evidence such as medical records, expert testimonies, and financial documents, the plaintiff seeks to convince a judge or jury of the extent of their damages.

Can An Attorney Help Me Prove Negligence?

Pursuing a personal injury claim and proving negligence can be challenging without proper legal representation. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, they will carefully review the details of your case, gather relevant evidence, and consult with experts when necessary to establish the defendant's legal liability.

At MVP Accident Attorneys, a personal injury lawyer on our legal team will guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring that all deadlines are met, all necessary paperwork is filed, and all legal avenues are explored to strengthen your claim.

Contact Us Today!

If you were injured in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another, a personal injury lawyer at MVP Accident Attorneys can investigate your accident, build a strong case that will prove liability, and help you recover the fair settlement you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you obtain the compensation and justice you deserve.

Author

Brett Sachs

Founder

Brett S. Sachs graduated from Michigan State University College of Law with Cum Laude Honors. While attending Michigan State, Brett was awarded for his service in the Michigan State University College of Law Civil Rights Clinic, where he represented prisoners of the Michigan Department of Corrections from injustices brought upon them. Learn more.