Prepetition Liability

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Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Prepetition Liability'

A term that refers to liabilities that arise prior to a company filing of bankruptcy. A company has to petition for bankruptcy protection; once this is done, liabilities fall into two categories: prepetition, or those that arise prior to petition, and post-petition, those that arise after petition. These two types of liabilities are often shown on the balance sheets of companies in bankruptcy protection.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Prepetition Liability'

The classification of a liability as either prepetition or post-petition has significant influence on the amount the company will have to pay for the liabilities. A prepetition liability is likely to only get a fraction of its original value, while a post-petition liability will likely be paid in full - assuming the company exits bankruptcy protection in good shape.

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