A lawsuit is a legal action that one person (the plaintiff) files against another person (the defendant) for causing harm. It typically involves money and can be resolved by a settlement or trial before a judge or jury.

A lawsuit begins with a complaint, which is the pleading that states what jurisdiction you have and what the court’s power is. It also states your cause of action, the demand for judicial relief, and the names of the parties involved.

Complaints should be well-drafted and should comply with the law, state rules of civil procedure, and other applicable requirements. They should clearly state the facts that support your legal claims and request appropriate types of damages, such as compensatory, punitive, or treble damages.

Jury – A group of people who are asked to decide the issues in a case or who, in a case involving criminal allegations, are called a “juror”. They are generally asked to determine whether the defendant is liable for the harm that the plaintiff has suffered, and how much the defendant must pay.

Juries are sometimes sequestered during deliberations so they can think about their decisions alone without any outside influences. They are usually a jury of peers, but can also be called a panel of citizens.

Before you file a lawsuit, ask your lawyer what paperwork is required. They can help you with this, or you can check online for the forms that are necessary in your state.