Lawsuit – An action or proceeding in a civil court; term used for a suit or action between two private parties in a court of law. Here’s a link to discussion of nursing home lawsuits.

Legal process – A formal paper that is legally valid; something issuing from the court, usually a command such as a writ or mandate.

Legionnaires’ disease – Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria. It is usually contracted by breathing in mist from water that contains the bacteria. The mist may come from hot tubs, showers or air-conditioning units for large buildings. The bacteria don’t spread from person to person.

Legislation – The act of giving or enacting laws; the power to make laws via legislation in contrast to court-made laws.

Letters of Administration – Legal document issued by a court that shows an administrator’s legal right to take control of assets in the deceased person’s name.

Letters Testamentary – Legal document issued by a court that shows an executor’s legal right to take control of assets in the deceased person’s name.

Liable – Legally responsible.

Liability insurance – Insurance policy to cover an act of negligence by a professional.

Lien – An encumbrance or legal burden upon property.

Litigant – A party to a lawsuit.

Litigation – A lawsuit; a legal action, including all proceedings therein.

Living trust – A trust set up and in effect during the lifetime of the grantor. (Also called inter vivos trust.)

Long term care – A variety of services that help people with health or personal needs and activities of daily living over a period of time. Long-term care can be provided at home, in the community, or in various types of facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Most long-term care is custodial care.

Long-term care hospital – Long-term care hospitals provide treatment for patients who stay, on average, more than 25 days. Most patients are transferred from an intensive or critical care unit. Services provided include comprehensive rehabilitation, respiratory therapy, head trauma treatment, and pain management.

Long term care insurance – An insurance policy to pay (partially or completely) for long-term care. Many long-term care insurance policies cover both medical and non-medical expenses.

Long-term care ombudsman programs – Federally funded agencies that provide assistance to nursing home patients when there is a dispute between the patient and the nursing home.

Loss of consortium – A claim for damages based on the recovery of the loss of services a spouse provided.