After an accident, you will need to file an insurance claim to get your personal injury benefits flowing. The claim form is probably your first encounter with “legalese,” the legal terminology and abbreviations that make understanding these documents so difficult.
The attorneys at Veritas Injury Lawyers want to help you navigate your way through these initial forms. We are providing you with a guide to the common legal phrases and abbreviations you may find in your documents. If you need assistance, our attorneys are here to help.
What Are Some Common Legal Abbreviations?
Law firms and insurance companies use legal terminology and abbreviations so everyone is “on the same page” and are talking about the same thing in documents. Some common abbreviations you may encounter include:
AFB: Application for Benefits
This is the application that comes from your insurance company to access your benefits. If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP), you use this application after an accident.
EOB: Explanation of Benefits
This letter comes from the insurer to tell you why they paid for your medical bills. The Explanation of Remittance (EOR) is a similar letter that explains why they did not pay for your bills. The EOB/EOR may be a combined statement.
IME: Independent Medical Examination
An insurance company may request an independent exam to confirm the cause and extent of your injuries. IMEs often occur with long-term treatment or when you challenge a denial or termination of benefits.
LOR: Letter of Representation
An LOR is the letter your attorney sends to the insurance company letting them know you have legal representation. An LOR stops insurers from communicating with you and trying to make settlement offers.
SOL: Statute of Limitations
An SOL is the legal deadline to file a personal injury claim after an accident or injury. In Colorado, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury, or three years in the case of motor vehicle accidents.
Important Legal Terms to Know
In addition to these abbreviations, you should know some common legal terminology. Your attorney will translate many of these legal terms for you, but knowing what you are looking at is always helpful when reading legal forms.
Negligence is what you must prove in any personal injury claim. Negligence has four elements:
- A duty or responsibility between the plaintiff (you) and the defendant
- A breach or failure of that duty
- Causation or a link between the breach and your injuries
- Harm or an actual physical or financial injury
Liability is the same as fault. If someone is liable for an accident, it means they have the responsibility for paying for the harm caused to the victim.
Damages in legal terminology refer to the monetary compensation you can recover after an accident. You can receive economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages, like compensation for pain and suffering.
Get More Legal Assistance from a Personal Injury Attorney
At Veritas Injury Lawyers, we want to help ensure that you know what you are agreeing to before you sign any document or settlement agreement. Insurance companies like to baffle victims with confusing jargon and obscure acronyms.
When you come to our offices, we will take the time to explain all the legal terminology and language. If you have any questions or concerns about anything in your case, we will go over your case with you until you are satisfied with the response.
Your initial consultation is free. Call us today for a case review at one of our Colorado offices.
