Claim Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Claim, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Claim?

It refers to a written demand for money or rights by someone on the property or damages. It is known as claim. A person paying premium for car accident insurance has right to claim for equal some of money on such accident happening, from the insurance company. Its his/her right. If the claim is not met buy insurance company, they can be taken to court by filing the lawsuit against them.

History and Meaning of Claim

The term "claim" has been widely used in legal settings for centuries, referring to a demand for a legal right or remedy. In the context of insurance, a claim is a request by an insured person or entity to an insurance company to cover the costs of damages or losses. This includes situations such as a car accident, property damage, personal injury, or theft. The insurance company then investigates the claim and determines the amount of compensation to be paid, according to the terms of the policy.

Examples of Claim

John filed a claim with his insurance company after his car was hit in a parking lot.
The plaintiff's lawyer included a claim for damages in the lawsuit against the defendant.
The contractor submitted a claim for extra time and costs due to unexpected delays in the construction project.
The employee filed a claim for workers' compensation after injuring their back on the job.

Legal Terms Similar to Claim

Lawsuit - A claim may be part of a larger legal action or lawsuit.
Liability - If someone is found to be liable for damages, a claim may be made against them.
Damages - Compensation sought in a claim may include damages suffered by the claimant.
Settlement - A claim may be settled outside of court, with the insurance company or other party offering a settlement amount.
Coverage - A claim is usually made under an insurance policy or other type of coverage agreement.