Plaintiff
The person or party bringing a legal claim.
Knowledge Center
Pre-settlement funding glossary
A plain-English glossary of legal and funding terms applicants see during lawsuit funding review.
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Legal terms
Plain-English funding glossary
Use this glossary to understand words that come up in funding review, attorney verification, settlement discussions, insurance claims, and case documents.
Defendant
The person, business, insurer, or entity defending against a claim.
Settlement
An agreement that resolves a claim before final judgment.
Lawsuit
A civil legal case filed in court to resolve a dispute or claim for damages.
Litigation
The formal legal process of pursuing or defending a claim in court.
Demand Letter
A written request that explains liability, damages, and settlement demand.
Discovery
The phase where parties exchange information, documents, and testimony.
Deposition
Sworn testimony taken outside court and recorded for case use.
Liability
Legal responsibility for an injury, loss, or damages.
Negligence
Failure to use reasonable care, causing harm to another person.
Non-Recourse Funding
Case-based funding where repayment is generally tied to a successful recovery, subject to the written agreement.
Insurance Adjuster
A person reviewing claims for an insurer.
Contingency Fee
An attorney fee paid from recovery if the case succeeds.
Medical Lien
A claim for payment from settlement proceeds for medical care.
Letter of Protection
An arrangement where treatment may be paid from future recovery.
Policy Limits
The maximum amount available under an insurance policy.
Structured Settlement
A settlement paid over time through scheduled payments instead of one lump sum.
Wrongful Death
A legal claim brought after a death allegedly caused by another party's wrongful conduct.
Mass Tort
A group of individual claims involving similar injuries or allegations against one or more defendants.
Class Action
A lawsuit where representative plaintiffs pursue claims on behalf of a larger group, if class treatment is approved.
Arbitration
A private dispute-resolution process where an arbitrator decides issues outside ordinary court trial.
Mediation
A settlement discussion led by a neutral mediator who helps parties try to resolve a dispute.
Educational disclaimer
This guide is for education, not legal advice
CasePayNow is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Funding is subject to case review, attorney cooperation, state availability, provider requirements, signed agreement terms, and final approval.