Glossary of Legal Terms

Second Injury Fund

The Second Injury Fund is intended to promote the hiring of disabled individuals and to reduce the potential costs of Workers’ Compensation awards for employers for injuries or conditions pre-existing the last compensable work related accident. This is done by the Fund assuming payment of permanent disability benefits after an initial period during which the employer or his insurance carrier makes these payments.

To be eligible for Fund benefits, an individual must be totally and permanently disabled as the direct result of a work-related injury in combination with a pre-existing permanent partial disability. It is not necessary that the pre-existing permanent partial disability be work-related.

Section 20 Settlement

A lump-sum settlement arising from a claim for compensation following an employee's accident, injury, or occupational disease. The lump-sum settlements under Section 20 are made in lieu of periodic benefits. Under the Section 20 settlement, should the worker need additional medical treatment or should the condition worsen, the case cannot be reopened.

Secured Claim

A claim that is secured by collateral or a lien.

Security Agreement

An agreement which creates or provides for a Security Interest.

Security Interest

A lien created by an agreement.

Sentence

The judgment formally pronounced by the court or judge upon the defendant after his conviction in a criminal prosecution, imposing the punishment to be inflicted.

Separate Maintenance

Money paid by one married person to the other for support if they are no longer living as husband and wife.

Settlement

An adjustment between persons concerning their dealings or difficulties; an agreement; payment or satisfaction.

Severance Pay

Payment by an employer to employee beyond his or her wages on termination of his or her employment.

Show Cause Order

An order to a person or corporation to appear in court and explain why the court should not take a proposed action.

Statute

A particular law enacted and established by the will of the legislative department of government.

Statute of Limitations

A certain time allowed by law for bringing litigation.

Statutory

Relating to a statute; created or defined by a statute; required by a statute; conforming to a statute.

Stipulation

A material condition, requirement, or article in an agreement.

Subdivision

The division of a lot, tract or parcel of land into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land for sale or development.

Subpoena

A command to appear at a certain time and place to give testimony upon a certain matter.

Summary

A short application to a court or judge, without the formality of a full proceeding.