A lawsuit is a legal action by a plaintiff against a defendant in a court of law. The plaintiff alleges that the defendant did something wrong and that he or she suffered damages as a result. There are many different types of lawsuits, such as a civil rights case or a personal injury lawsuit.

The first step in a lawsuit is for the plaintiff to file an initial complaint and to arrange service on the defendant. The complaint offers a brief description of the case and describes how the defendant’s actions harmed the plaintiff. It also outlines the damages the plaintiff is seeking, such as monetary compensation. The complaint must comply with the laws of your jurisdiction, and it must clearly and concisely explain the facts and legal claims that you are asserting.

After the initial filing, most cases go through several steps known as “discovery.” The parties submit written questions to each other, called interrogatories and answer them under oath. They also exchange documents and have depositions, or face-to-face interviews with each other.

In some cases, the judge may allow the defendant to voluntarily settle before going to trial. Often, this is a much less expensive and more efficient option than having the case decided by a jury. Moreover, it’s important to understand that even if you win your lawsuit and the court enters a judgment against the defendant, he or she may not have enough assets to actually pay you.