What is it called when someone sues you?

Asked by: Dr. Isadore Yundt  |  Last update: August 13, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (67 votes)

If you receive a form called a Summons (SUM-100) it means that someone is suing you in court. In addition to the Summons, you'll also receive another document, called a Complaint. The Complaint describes the details of the case against you.

What do you call someone who sues you?

If you are served with a Plaintiff's Claim, you have been sued. You are the Defendant and the person suing you is the Plaintiff. You need to prepare to go to court on the date and time listed on the Plaintiff's Claim.

What is it called when someone sues you for no reason?

What is a Frivolous Lawsuit? The official frivolous lawsuit meaning, according to the US Legal system is a legal claim that is filed by any entity or individual who is well aware that the lawsuit has no facts or basis to support it. Frivolous lawsuits may also be filed to delay other legal proceedings.

What is the term for suing?

Synonyms of sue (verb bring legal charges against) accuse. appeal. charge. claim.

What is it called when someone sues you and you sue them back?

If you believe the plaintiff owes you money – and that you would be able to sue the plaintiff for that money regardless of plaintiff's lawsuit against you – that is a “counterclaim.”

What You should do if Someone Sues You

19 related questions found

Should I tell someone I'm suing them?

After you file your lawsuit, you have to let the defendant know that you are suing them. Usually, the defendant knows about the case a long time before it starts. Hopefully you talked to the defendant and tried to settle the case before you filed.

What is it called when a defendant sues another defendant?

P. 7013. Docket Event: [Adversary > Summons & Other Actions > Crossclaim] A cross-claim is a claim by one party against a co-party (e.g., a defendant claiming against another defendant, or a plaintiff claiming against another plaintiff, arising out of the original complaint.)

What is the legal term for frivolous lawsuit?

Vexatious litigation is legal action which is brought solely to harass or subdue an adversary. It may take the form of a primary frivolous lawsuit or may be the repetitive, burdensome, and unwarranted filing of meritless motions in a matter which is otherwise a meritorious cause of action.

What is someone who is being sued or accused called?

Defendant, in criminal cases, is the person accused of the crime. In civil cases, the defendant is the person or entity that is being sued by the plaintiff. In certain types of actions, the defendant is called the respondent.

What is it called when someone sues you and you sue them back?

If you believe the plaintiff owes you money – and that you would be able to sue the plaintiff for that money regardless of plaintiff's lawsuit against you – that is a “counterclaim.”

What do you call someone who is litigious?

(lɪtɪdʒəs ) adjective. Someone who is litigious often makes formal complaints about people to a civil court of law. [formal] Synonyms: contentious, belligerent, argumentative, quarrelsome More Synonyms of litigious.

What is the opposite of defendant in court?

The plaintiff is a person or entity that files a lawsuit. The lawsuit includes a complaint and a summons which must be filed in the appropriate court. The defendant the person or entity that is being sued. Plaintiff and defendant are terms usually used in civil cases and/or a civil lawsuit.

What is another legal word for defendant?

On this page you'll find 9 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to defendant, such as: litigant, offender, prisoner, suspect, and appellant.

What are the two sides in court?

Plaintiff & Defendant

If it is not a criminal court case, the person who alleges that something wrong has been done is usually called the Plaintiff. The person accused of having done wrong is usually called the Defendant.

Is there always a plaintiff?

The words “plaintiff” and “defendant” are used in nearly all civil proceedings. According to US law, the plaintiff is always the individual or corporation that initiates a lawsuit.

What is the word for a frivolous lawsuit?

Vexatious litigation is legal action which is brought solely to harass or subdue an adversary. It may take the form of a primary frivolous lawsuit or may be the repetitive, burdensome, and unwarranted filing of meritless motions in a matter which is otherwise a meritorious cause of action.

What do you call a person who claims?

claimant. noun. claim·​ant ˈklā-mənt. : a person who claims to have a right to something.

What is another term for legal responsibility?

liability. n. one of the most significant words in the field of law, liability means legal responsibility for one's acts or omissions.

Should you tell someone you are suing them?

After you file your lawsuit, you have to let the defendant know that you are suing them. Usually, the defendant knows about the case a long time before it starts. Hopefully you talked to the defendant and tried to settle the case before you filed.

When money is awarded to a plaintiff in a lawsuit it is called?

Compensatory damages represent the money awarded to a plaintiff in a lawsuit. This type of compensation is awarded in civil court cases. There are two types of compensatory damages—general and actual. Actual damages are intended to provide funds to only replace what was lost.

What is it called when you sue someone for ruining your name?

A slander lawsuit is a lawsuit you can file after someone defames you. Defamation occurs when someone makes a false statement of fact to a third party and causes you harm as a result. Defamation is a tort, which means it is a civil wrong, so you can file suit to obtain monetary damages from the person who committed it.

What is another word for claiming?

Synonyms of claim
  • insist.
  • allege.
  • assert.
  • contend.
  • declare.
  • maintain.
  • argue.
  • affirm.

What is a word for claiming something?

Verb. ▲ To state or assert that something is the case. assert. maintain.

What is the word for when you claim something?

On this page you'll find 184 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to claim, such as: allegation, application, assertion, call, case, and demand.

What is a silly lawsuit called?

A frivolous lawsuit is a lawsuit filed by an attorney who knowingly brings a case forward despite a lack of legal precedent, facts, or merit. Examples of frivolous lawsuits might be: The 1995 incident when an inmate sued himself for violating his own civil rights.