Injured party

What injured party means

In practice, you will see injured party in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.

Where injured party comes up

The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.

How to research the term

To research injured party, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.

You can read the current federal court rules online for free.

Related legal terms

• Infraction: the least serious kind of offense, such as many traffic tickets. Under federal law, it is an offense with a maximum prison term of five days or less, or no prison at all (18 U.S.C. § 3559(a)(9)). In many states, an infraction is punishable only by a fine.
• Inheritance: property received from a person who has died, whether by will, by trust or under intestacy law. Federal law does not tax an heir's receipt of an inheritance as income (26 U.S.C. § 102(a)), although a large estate may owe federal estate tax and a few states impose an inheritance tax on recipients.
• Initial disclosures: basic information each party must provide early in a federal case without waiting for a discovery request.
• Injunction: a court order requiring a party to do or stop doing something.

Why precise terms matter

Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.