DocketXDocketX / Claims
Civil claims, explained
What each claim requires, what actually decides these cases, and the defenses to expect — for every state. We state generally recognized frameworks and say plainly where our library holds that state's real authority and where it does not.
Premises liability
Injuries caused by a dangerous condition on someone else's property.
By state →Slip and fall
The most common premises case: a fall caused by a hazard the property owner should have addressed.
By state →Negligence
The general claim behind most personal-injury cases.
By state →Car accident claims
Negligence applied to collisions, plus each state's own insurance framework.
By state →Medical malpractice
Injury caused by a provider's departure from the accepted standard of care.
By state →Product liability
Harm caused by a defective or unreasonably dangerous product.
By state →Dog bite and animal attacks
Injuries from an animal, under either a strict-liability statute or common-law negligence.
By state →Wrongful death
A claim brought by survivors when negligence or a wrongful act caused a death.
By state →Defamation, libel and slander
A false statement of fact that damages someone's reputation.
By state →Assault and battery (civil)
The civil claims for threatened or actual harmful contact.
By state →Negligent security
Injury from a foreseeable crime that reasonable security would have prevented.
By state →Nuisance
Unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of property.
By state →Trespass to land
Entering or causing something to enter another's property without permission.
By state →Fraud and misrepresentation
Losses caused by a knowing falsehood relied on to the plaintiff's detriment.
By state →Breach of contract
Not a tort, but the claim most often filed alongside them.
By state →Emotional distress claims
Intentional or negligent infliction of severe emotional harm.
By state →Not legal advice and not a law firm. Deadlines to sue are short and vary by state and claim; find yours immediately.