Lawsuit Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Lawsuit?

(n) A Law suit is the action taken by a person or legal entity against another person, persons or entities with an intention to avail legal repercussions for any loss occurred or may occur to him, by moving a petition in the court of the land

History and Meaning of Lawsuit

A lawsuit is a legal action initiated by one party against another party, seeking a legal or equitable remedy, such as damages or specific performance of an agreement. The concept of a lawsuit dates back to ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome, where individuals could initiate legal proceedings against others in a court of law. Today, lawsuits are an integral part of modern legal systems throughout the world.

In the United States, lawsuits are governed by the rules of civil procedure in state and federal courts. The process usually involves filing a complaint by the plaintiff, followed by a response from the defendant, and then a stage of pretrial discovery in which evidence is gathered and exchanged between the parties. The case may then proceed to trial or may be resolved through settlement negotiations or alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration or mediation.

Examples of Lawsuit

  1. A consumer files a lawsuit against a company for selling a defective product that caused injury.

  2. An employee files a lawsuit against their employer for workplace discrimination.

  3. A landlord files a lawsuit against a tenant for breach of lease agreement.

  4. A musician files a lawsuit against a record label for breach of contract.

Legal Terms Similar to Lawsuit

  1. Litigation: The process of resolving disputes through the court system.

  2. Complaint: The initial legal document filed by the plaintiff in a lawsuit, asserting the claims against the defendant.

  3. Defendant: The party being sued or accused in a lawsuit.

  4. Settlement: An agreement between the parties to resolve a lawsuit before trial.

  5. Damages: Monetary compensation awarded by a court to a plaintiff for harm caused by a defendant's actions.