Legal Process PDF HCSys

Forensic

Belonging to courts of justice, particularly concerning legal principles.

Litigation

The process of settling a dispute in a court of law.

Plaintiff

A person who initiates the lawsuit to seek recovery for damages.

Defendant

The party against whom recovery is sought in a lawsuit.

Pleadings

Papers filed with the court explaining the formal claims and defenses of each party.

Subpoena

A written order by a court to appear at a specific time and place to give testimony.

Subpoena Duces Tecum

A court order requiring a witness to produce documents or objects.

Fact Witness

Any individual who has contact with a patient and may testify about relevant information.

Expert Witness

A witness whose qualifications are recognized by the court and provides opinions on specialized matters.

Discovery

Pre-trial devices used to obtain information or facts about a case.

Interrogatories

Written questions submitted by one party to another that must be answered.

Deposition

An oral statement taken from a witness or party under oath and recorded by a court reporter.

Request for Production

A written request for documents or items relevant to the case.

Requests for Admissions

Written factual statements concerning the case a party must admit or deny.

Responsibilities of Plaintiff's Expert Witness

Includes providing clinical data, explaining functional limitations, and testifying regarding treatment.

Responsibilities of Defendant's Expert Witness

Similar to plaintiff's expert but focuses on analyzing and possibly discrediting the plaintiff's claims.

Direct Examination

The initial questioning of a witness by the party who called them to testify.

Cross-Examination

The questioning of a witness by the opposing party to challenge their testimony.

Documentation Issues

Guidelines and recommendations for accurate documentation in occupational therapy.

Trial Subpoenas

Documents summoning witnesses to appear at a trial.