Legal Dictionary
Plain-English explanations for common claim terms.
Educational only — not legal adviceClaimsy is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Definitions are simplified and may vary by state. If you need advice, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
Showing 45 of 45 terms
Adjuster
Getting StartedThe insurance company employee who reviews your claim and decides how much to pay.
Arbitration
Settlement & LitigationA private hearing where an arbitrator makes a binding decision instead of going to court.
At-fault
Getting StartedThe person or party legally responsible for causing the accident.
Attorney-client agreement
Fees & CostsThe contract between you and your attorney outlining fees, responsibilities, and terms.
Audit log
Documents in Your PacketRecord of who accessed your documents and when.
Bodily injury coverage
Insurance & AdjustersInsurance that pays for injuries you cause to others in an accident.
Case boundary (confirming which threads belong)
Documents in Your PacketThe process of selecting which emails and documents are related to this specific claim.
Case expenses/costs
Fees & CostsOut-of-pocket costs for things like medical records, expert witnesses, and filing fees.
Claim number
Getting StartedA unique ID assigned by the insurance company to track your case.
Complaint (lawsuit filing)
Settlement & LitigationThe legal document that starts a lawsuit in court.
Contingency fee
Fees & CostsAttorney payment structure where they take a percentage of your settlement instead of hourly fees.
Costs advanced
Fees & CostsWhen your attorney pays case expenses upfront and gets reimbursed from your settlement.
Demand letter
Getting StartedA formal letter to an insurance company or at-fault party requesting payment for your damages.
Demand package / settlement packet
Settlement & LitigationA organized collection of evidence, records, and documentation supporting your claim value.
Deposition
Settlement & LitigationSworn testimony given outside of court, recorded by a court reporter.
Diagnostic imaging (MRI/CT/X-ray)
Medical & BillingMedical scans that show internal injuries like fractures, herniated discs, or soft tissue damage.
Discovery
Settlement & LitigationThe legal process where both sides exchange evidence and information before trial.
Document vault
Documents in Your PacketSecure storage for all your claim-related documents in one place.
Incident report
Evidence & PaperworkDocumentation of an accident or injury created by a business or property owner.
Itemized bill
Medical & BillingA detailed breakdown of medical charges showing each service and cost.
Letter of protection (LOP)
Medical & BillingAn agreement where a provider treats you now and gets paid from your settlement later.
Liability
Getting StartedLegal responsibility for causing harm or damage.
Lost wages documentation
Evidence & PaperworkProof of income you lost due to injury, like pay stubs or employer letters.
Mediation
Settlement & LitigationA meeting with a neutral third party who helps both sides negotiate a settlement.
Medical lien
Medical & BillingA legal claim on your settlement by a medical provider who treated you on credit.
Medical records
Medical & BillingOfficial documentation of your medical treatment, diagnoses, and care.
Medical records request timeline
Deadlines & Time LimitsThe time it takes to receive medical records after requesting them, typically 30-60 days.
MedPay
Insurance & AdjustersOptional insurance that covers medical expenses after an accident, regardless of fault.
Notice requirement
Deadlines & Time LimitsLegal obligation to notify certain parties (like government entities) of your claim within a specific timeframe.
Personal injury claim
Getting StartedA request for compensation after an accident or injury caused by someone else.
Photos/video evidence
Evidence & PaperworkVisual documentation of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
PIP (Personal Injury Protection)
Insurance & AdjustersInsurance that covers your medical bills and lost wages regardless of who was at fault.
Police report
Evidence & PaperworkOfficial documentation by law enforcement of an accident or incident.
Property damage coverage
Insurance & AdjustersInsurance that pays for damage to vehicles or property caused by an accident.
Release
Settlement & LitigationA legal document you sign giving up your right to sue in exchange for payment.
Repair estimate
Evidence & PaperworkWritten quote from a body shop detailing the cost to fix vehicle damage.
Reservation of rights
Insurance & AdjustersA notice from an insurer that they're investigating your claim but may deny coverage later.
Settlement offer
Settlement & LitigationThe amount of money the insurance company proposes to pay to resolve your claim.
Share link (permissioned)
Documents in Your PacketSecure link that lets you share specific documents with attorneys or others you choose.
Statute of limitations
Deadlines & Time LimitsThe legal deadline to file a lawsuit, typically 1-3 years depending on your state.
Subrogation
Insurance & AdjustersWhen your insurance pays your claim, then seeks reimbursement from the at-fault party.
Timeline
Documents in Your PacketChronological record of events, treatments, and communications related to your claim.
Treatment plan
Medical & BillingYour doctor's recommended course of care and expected recovery timeline.
UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist)
Insurance & AdjustersYour own insurance that pays when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough.
Witness statement
Evidence & PaperworkWritten or recorded account from someone who saw the accident.
Terms are easier with context
Claimsy organizes your emails, bills, and reports into one clean claim file — so demand letters, liens, and deadlines show up where they belong.