A decision made on the basis of statements and evidence presented for the record without a trial. It is used when there is no dispute as to the facts of the case, and one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

The percentage of permanent disability.

Formal document beginning a civil action or special proceeding which is a means to gain jurisdiction over a party. Also, a document directed to a sheriff or other authorized person ordering him to serve the person named on the summons who must appear at a certain place and time to respond to the action.

In a workers´ compensation case, this is the form signed by the injured employee when there has been a change in disability status.

A Federal supplemental income program which helps the aging, blind, and disabled, who have little or no income.

In products liability law, all parties in the chain of supply of a product for profit, including manufacturers, sellers, and dealers.

A trust that instructs the trustee to spend only as much income and principal (the assets held in the trust) as needed for the beneficiary´s support.

To forbid the use of evidence at a trial because it is improper or was improperly obtained. See also exclusionary rule.

The person who has pledged him or herself to pay back money or perform a certain action if the principal to a contract fails, as collateral, and as part of the original contract. Technically, where a person provides collateral after or before the original contract is signed, and as a separate contract, the person is called a "guarantor" and not a "surety."

A bond purchased at the expense of the estate to insure the executor´s proper performance. Often called a fidelity bond.

A survival action is brought by the administrator of a deceased person´s estate in order to recover loss to the estate resulting from a tort. A survival action continues in the decedent´s personal representative a right of action which accrued to the decedent at common law because of a tort. A survival action, unlike a wrongful death action, is not a new cause of action. Where death is caused by negligence, both a survival action and a wrongful death action may be brought.

Statutory law that provides for a legal action to continue after the death of a person involved in the action.

If you die, benefits will be paid to: your spouse age 60 or older (50 or older if a disability rather than death occurs) or at any age if the spouse is caring for a child under the age of 16; children age 18 or younger (19 or younger if still in school); and your parents, if you provide at least half of their financial support.

Another name for joint tenancy.

A court ruling upholding an objection or a motion.

A civil law term for a reciprocal or bilateral contract: one in which both parties provide consideration. A contract of sale is a classic example, where one party provides money and the other, goods or services. A gift is not a synallagmatic contract.