Legal Nurse Consultant Exam study guide

Collateral Source Rule - the defendant cannot introduce any evidence that shows the injured party has received compensation from other collateral sources, such as maintaining health insurance coverage to pay for all or oart of damages. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - Automobile insurance that pays for medical, hospital, and funeral costs of the insured's family and passengers, regardless of fault judgment proof - when the defendant does not have sufficient money or other assets to pay the judgment Forensic Pathologist - In a wrongful death claim, this expert offers judgment avmbout the cause of death. Comparative negligence - A rule in tort law, used in the majority of states, that reduces the plaintiff's recovery in proportion to the plaintiff's degree of fault, rather than barring recovery completely. Example- seat belt defense Special Damages - compensation for out-of-pocket expenses, for medical care, home care services, lost wages General Damages - Based upon severity of damages and impact on plaintiff's life. May include pain and suffering, fear, or embarrassment. puntitive damages - Also called Exemplary damages. Plaintiff may receive this it it's determined the defendant was oppressive, fraudulent or malicious in behavior. Loss of Consortium Claim - An uninjured spouse may make a claim for loss of service, care and support, loss of love, sexual relations, for injuries to his spouse. Assumption of Risk - A defense against negligence that can be used when the plaintiff was aware of a danger and voluntarily assumed the risk of injury from that danger.