A lawsuit is a civil legal action that someone (the plaintiff) brings to a court. The goal of a lawsuit is to seek justice for a victim by holding a person or business responsible for the harm they caused.

Lawsuits typically involve discovery, motions, hearings, trials and possible appeals. They can take months or years to complete and cost a lot of money.

Tort claims – The most common type of claim; tort law is intended to compensate victims for their losses and punish defendants who cause them. This can include compensation for pain and suffering as well as punitive damages.

Contract violations – This type of claim arises from a breach of the terms of a contract. It could include failing to deliver goods or fail to pay for them after you receive them.

Class action – This type of lawsuit is filed by several people who have all suffered similar injuries from the same defendant. This can be useful if a large amount of money is at stake.

Pretrial discovery – This is a structured exchange of evidence and statements between the parties before the trial begins. It’s meant to eliminate surprises, clarify what the lawsuit is about and make the parties decide whether to settle or drop frivolous claims and defenses.

Trial – This is a court hearing in which both sides present their arguments and witnesses to the judge or jury, who renders a decision after examining all the evidence presented.