Lawsuit: A court action brought by one person against another seeking compensation for damages or cost incurred based on another's actions.

Leading Case: Case regarded as having determined the law on a particular point, thus becoming a guide for later decisions.

Legal Cause: Substantial factor in bringing about the harm.

Liability: An obligation that one is bound in law to perform; usually involves the payment of money damages.

Long-Term Care: Custodial care given in a person's home or in a nursing home when a person has a chronic disability or a long illness.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman: A supporter for nursing home residents who helps solve problems between the residents and the nursing home.