A lawsuit is a legal dispute that a plaintiff brings against a defendant. Typically, a lawsuit involves money and property. The plaintiff asks the court to make a judgment in his or her favor. The judgment is usually accompanied by an order requiring the defendant to pay the plaintiff. A lawsuit can be filed for many different reasons.

Depending on the situation, a lawsuit can be filed against a corporation, government agency, or individual. It can also be filed against a business entity or nonprofit organization. A lawsuit can also be used by the state to enforce a law. A lawsuit can also involve an archaic term known as “suit in law,” which only exists in a few laws today.

A lawsuit can also arise from a contract. People can sue another person or entity for encroaching on their personal or real property. This can occur if language in the contract is unclear. Another common reason for a lawsuit is that an individual has suffered a loss because of someone else’s actions. If you have suffered a loss, a lawsuit can help you get the justice you deserve.

A lawsuit begins with the plaintiff filing a complaint with the court. The plaintiff then serves a copy of the complaint to the defendant. This complaint describes the harm and damages the plaintiff has suffered. It also demonstrates the court has jurisdiction to decide the case. It also asks the court to order a remedy. The plaintiff can seek money compensation, an order stopping the defendant’s conduct, or a declaration of legal rights.