Type:
Term: DefendantDefinition: In a lawsuit, the defendant is the person or entity being sued, accused of causing harm or injury to the plaintiff.Phonetic Pronunciation: (di-FEN-dunt)Origin: The term "defendant" derives from the Old French "defendant," which is the present participle of "defendre," meaning "to defend." This, in turn, comes from the Latin "defendere," composed of "de-" (from, away) and "fendere" (to strike, to ward off), indicating the act of defending oneself against accusations.Significance in Asbestos Context: In asbestos litigation, the defendant is often a company or manufacturer accused of exposing individuals to asbestos, leading to illnesses like mesothelioma or asbestosis. The identification and legal strategy against defendants are crucial for plaintiffs seeking compensation and justice for asbestos-related injuries.Example Sentence: In the asbestos lawsuit, the defendant was a construction company that used asbestos-containing materials on multiple job sites, leading to numerous workers developing lung diseases.Related Terms: Plaintiff, Liability, Litigation, Asbestos Trust, TortNotes:
- Defendants in asbestos cases can range from direct employers to product manufacturers and even distributors.
- The financial solvency and insurance coverage of defendants are significant factors in asbestos litigation.
- Defendants may be part of multiple lawsuits due to the widespread use of asbestos in various industries.
