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caption: the heading or introductory clause which shows the names of the parties, name of the court, number of the case on the docket, etcetera, in a pleading or other paper connected with a case in court.

carcinogen: a substance which causes the development of cancer.

carcinoma: malignant new tissue made up of epithelial cells tending to infiltrate surrounding tissue, giving rise to metastases.

carpal tunnel syndrome: a condition, often resulting from short, repetitive movements, that causes numbness in the hand and pain in the wrist due to the compression of the median nerve.

case file: the court file containing papers submitted regarding a case.

causation: the link connecting the liability of the defendant to the injury and resulting damages in a case.

cause of action: the grounds upon which a legal action may be brought.

cauda equina: damage to the nerve at the bottom of the spine near the coccyx.

cartilage: a fibrous connective tissue that is part of the skeletal system.

CAT scan: computerized axial tomography. A scan that takes a series of images of areas inside the body.

certified copy: a copy of a document signed and certified as a true copy of an original by the Clerk of the Court or other authorized person.

Cervical: relating to the neck or cervix – e.g. cervical spine.

central cord syndrome: resulting from injury to the spinal cord.

change of venue: the removal of a suit from one county or district to another county or district for trial. The term may also apply to the removal of a suit from one court to another court of the same county or district.

claim: assertion of the right for financial compensation for an injury sustained.

claimant: the person on whose behalf a claim for compensation is sought.

class-action lawsuit: a lawsuit filed by a party on behalf of themselves and all individuals similarly situated. Frequently class actions are filed against companies when the individual injuries may be relatively small but the collective injury is significant, or when the defective drug, product or injurious agent causing damage, injury or sickness is widespread.

clinical negligence: medical negligence by a member of the medical profession.

colorectal cancer: also referred to as colon cancer or large bowel cancer, includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. Typically it is diagnosed with a colonoscopy.

commercial motor vehicle: a vehicle used in commerce having a gross weight in excess of 12,000 lbs. Examples of commercial motor vehicles are tractor trailers, semi’s, 18 wheelers and other over-the-roads trucks which carry goods.

compensatory damages: reimbursement for actual economic loss or injury (such as medical bills and lost income) as opposed to exemplary or punitive damages. Compensatory damages may include compensation for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment.

complaint: the initial pleading setting forth the facts and circumstances upon which the demand for compensation is based.

compression fracture (of the spine): collapse of a vertebra.

conservator: one appointed by a court to manage the affairs of a protected person.

consolidated action: two or more actions may be consolidated by the court if they involve a common question of law or fact; the actions then are merged, becoming one action with one title, and they result in one verdict or judgment.

contempt of court: an act or omission which tends to interfere with the orderly administration of justice or impairs the dignity or respect of the court’s authority.

contested action: an legal action which involves a dispute of facts or law.

contract: an oral or written legally enforceable agreement between two or more persons.

coccyx: the four fused bones at the base of the spine, also known as the tailbone.

comminuted fracture: a bone that is crushed or shattered.

concussion: a condition resulting from a violent shock or jar, typically of the brain.

contusion: a bruise. damage to the skin and underlying tissue without a break in the skin.

contributory negligence: when the plaintiff is partly responsible in causing an accident through their own actions. It is usually measured on a percentage basis and forms a deduction from any damages awarded.

corroborate: to strengthen testimony or evidence by additional testimony or evidence.

counsel: a lawyer or attorney.

counterclaim: a claim brought by a defendant against the plaintiff.

crossclaim: a claim brought by co-defendants or co-plaintiffs against each other and not against a party on the opposite side of the litigation.

cross-examination: questioning by a party of an adverse party or a witness called by an adverse party.

cruciate ligaments: ligaments in the knee that cross each other and help stabilize the knee joint.

crush injury: when a body part is injured due to a high degree of pressure either from a heavy object or after being squeezed between two objects.