If you are considering filing a lawsuit against the negligent party who injured you, you will need to know certain terms and how they might impact your case. For example, you will be referred to as the plaintiff. The person who harmed you will be referred to as the defendant.
Another important term to understand is “burden of proof.” As the plaintiff in the personal injury case, this burden lies with you. But what does that mean? We’ll explore this important information on this page.
What Is the Burden of Proof?
The burden of proof is the legal standard that a party involved in a case must meet in order to legally establish a fact in their case. There are different burdens of proof in different situations. Who carries this burden can also vary, depending on the burden and the circumstances.
Role of the Burden of Proof in a Personal Injury Case
If you were hurt in a personal injury accident, such as a car or truck accident, you have the burden of proof in the case as the plaintiff. This usually means that you must show the various elements of negligence, which include:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- The defendant breached the duty of care
- The defendant’s breach of the duty of care caused the accident
- As a result of the accident, you suffered damages for which the court can order compensation
You must supply evidence in favor of each of these elements to win your case.
Types of Burdens of Proof Used in Florida Courts
Different burdens of proof may apply, depending on the case. Some are reserved only for criminal cases, while others may apply to both criminal and civil cases. Florida generally uses the following burdens of proof, in order of the strictest to the most relaxed standard:
Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is the burden of proof in criminal cases. The Florida Jury Instructions gives the following information to jurors before they deliberate on a defendant’s possible guilt:
- Reasonable doubt is not a possible doubt.
- Reasonable doubt is not a speculative, imaginary, or forced doubt.
- If there is not an “abiding conviction of guilt” after considering, comparing, and weighing all the evidence, the jury should return a “not guilty” verdict.
- The jurors should only consider the evidence introduced in the case to look for proof of guilt.
- A reasonable doubt of guilt can arise from the evidence, a lack of evidence, or a conflict in the evidence.
Because a person’s life and liberty are at stake in a criminal case, it makes sense that this would be the highest possible burden of proof. The prosecutor has the burden of proof in a criminal case.
Clear and Convincing Evidence
Clear and convincing evidence is the second highest burden of proof. This burden of proof is used in cases where a claimant is seeking an order of protection after alleging domestic violence, as well as in cases when the defendant is appealing a case based on mental health issues.
Clear and convincing evidence means that there is substantial evidence to support the argument so that the trier of fact has a firm belief that it is highly probable.
The clear and convincing burden of proof is used in personal injury cases in which the victim is seeking punitive damages. In these cases, the plaintiff has the burden of proof that the defendant acted with intentional misconduct or gross negligence before they can be awarded punitive damages.
Preponderance of the Evidence
Preponderance of the evidence means that it is more likely true than not that the party’s assertions are true. In other words, if the jury believes the plaintiff is at least 51% likely correct, the jury should rule in the plaintiff’s favor. This is the general burden of proof in personal injury cases.
The preponderance of evidence burden of proof can also arise in criminal cases, such as if the defendant wants to make an affirmative defense.
Probable Cause
Probable cause is the burden of proof necessary to obtain a warrant from the court. Generally, this burden of proof requires listing specific, articulable facts to convince the judge that a crime has been committed.
Reasonable Suspicion
Reasonable suspicion is the burden of proof for traffic stops and searches. This is one of the lowest burdens of proof and only requires that the officer has more than a hunch that a crime has been committed.
Need Help Understanding the Burden of Proof for Your Case? Contact a Fort Walton Beach Personal Injury Lawyer
Were you recently injured in an accident and are considering a claim against the at-fault party? As the plaintiff, you’ll need to submit sufficient evidence in order to satisfy the burden of proof. With an experienced Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyer from Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers on your side, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve a favorable outcome for your case. Don’t hesitate to call (850) 863-5297 to schedule your free consultation.
