Impleader Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Impleader?

A third party is brought into the lawsuit who will be liable for the plaintiff’s claim and would be fulfilling the same. This is the process or procedure taken up by the defendant when he knows that this third party can payoff the plaintiffs claim for him. This third party is the impleader. usually the insurance companies with whom certain third party insurance are applicable, forms as an impleader.

History and Meaning of Impleader

Impleader is a legal term referring to the process of adding another party to a lawsuit. This third party, known as the impleader, is brought into the lawsuit by the defendant because they believe the third party is potentially liable for the plaintiff's claims and is capable of fulfilling them.

This term has its roots in the English common law system, where it was known as "impleading" or "adding a party." The purpose of impleader is to ensure that all parties who may be responsible for the plaintiff's damages are held accountable and that the plaintiff can receive full compensation for their losses.

In the United States, impleader is typically used in civil cases, and it is governed by the Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 14.

Examples of Impleader

  1. A contractor is sued by a homeowner for damages resulting from a renovation project. The contractor believes that the subcontractor who worked on the project is also at fault and could be held partially responsible. The contractor files an impleader against the subcontractor, asking the court to add them as a party to the lawsuit.

  2. In a personal injury case, the defendant believes that another driver may have contributed to the accident and could be held partially responsible. The defendant files an impleader against the other driver, asking the court to add them as a party to the lawsuit.

  3. An employee is sued for wrongful termination by a former coworker. The employee feels that the company may have played a role in the termination and files an impleader to add the company as a party to the lawsuit.

Legal Terms Similar to Impleader

  1. Third-party complaint: A claim filed by a defendant against a third party who is allegedly liable for the plaintiff's damages.
  2. Indemnification: A legal agreement between parties that requires one party to compensate the other for damages or losses.
  3. Subrogation: The process by which an insurance company seeks reimbursement from a third party for damages paid to an insured party.