A lawsuit is a legal process used to resolve disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations. While the exact steps may vary depending on the case, most lawsuits follow a similar structure.
A lawsuit begins when the person bringing the claim files a legal document called a complaint with the court.
The party being sued has an opportunity to respond to the complaint, usually by filing an answer.
Both sides gather evidence through a process called discovery, which may include documents, written questions, and depositions.
Many lawsuits are resolved through settlement before reaching trial.
If a settlement is not reached, the case may proceed to trial where a judge or jury decides the outcome.
In some cases, a decision may be appealed to a higher court.