The process of filing a lawsuit begins when the proper service of a complaint or summons is completed. Generally, the plaintiff must wait until a dispute has occurred that calls for judicial intervention before filing a lawsuit. The length of a lawsuit depends on several factors, including the issues involved and how the case is resolved. Read on for a closer look at the process of filing a lawsuit. Here are the steps that typically accompany filing a lawsuit.

To file a lawsuit, the plaintiff first files a complaint in court and serves a copy of the document to the defendant. A complaint describes the harm or damages that the plaintiff has suffered from the defendant’s action, establishes the court’s jurisdiction over the case, and asks the court to grant relief to the plaintiff. A plaintiff can seek money compensation, a halt to harmful conduct, a declaration of legal rights, or a combination of these options.

Litigation is the process of bringing a legal claim or lawsuit against another party. A successful lawsuit seeks to hold the offending party responsible for harm. Upon winning, the plaintiff receives compensation for the harm that they have suffered. A lawsuit can be filed by an individual, business, or other entity. In many cases, a plaintiff is seeking damages for physical injuries or mental suffering caused by a third party, such as a landlord.