Where the claimant can seek damages from more than one defendant, the claimant chooses the defendant with the greatest ability to pay, i.e. the one with ‘deepest pocket’ The choice of defendant is often influenced by the insurance position.
Insurance Encyclopedia
Deep pockets liability (Legal Terminology)
Another term for a legal concept known as joint-and-several liability. This states that damages can be obtained from co-defendants based on who is capable of paying, rather than who was found to be more negligent.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Potentially fatal formation of blood clot within a deep vein, usually in the lower limbs. Limited movement in cramped conditions, e.g. long haul flight conditions, appear to be the main cause. Air passengers making personal injury claims have to overcome the Warsaw Convention that limits compensation to ‘accidents. There is no definitive answer in English law as to whether DVT is caused by an ‘accident’. Adopting the approach in Air France v. Saks (1985), a US case, a High Court decision (2002) held DVT not to be an accident for the purpose of the Convention.
DEF
One of the abbreviation symbols used in the diagnostic code book titled International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) . It indicates a definition of disease or procedural term in the descriptions of the diagnoses.
Defalcation
Stealing of money.
Defamation
Publication of untrue statements that tend to lower a person in the estimation of right thinkin people. Defamation may be (a) libel, i.e. publication in a permanent form such as writing, or (b) slander, meaning a transitory publication such as the spoken word. Defamation is a tort and the aggrieved party can sue for damages if suffering special damage or for an injunction. See LIBEL INSURANCE.
***
Any derogatory statement which is designed to injure a person’s business or reputation. Defamation can be accomplished as libel or slander.
Defamation (Legal Terminology/General Insurance Terms)
A legal term for a statement meant to damage a person’s reputation or business. In insurance law, defamation refers to a deceitful trade practice meant to harm a person working in the insurance business. This is done through untrue, deprecating statements.
Defamation Insurance
Insurance against liability for libel or slander. Cover is commonly effected by publishers of books and newspapers, local authorities and professional persons. Criminal and intentional libels are likely to be excluded and the insured may be required to bear a proportion of any claim by way of co-insurance.
Default
A neglect, omission or failure to perform duty with intention to cause a financial loss to the employer or other authority.
Defeasance
A clause that provides that performance of certain specified acts will render and instrument of contract void.