Private grievances sometimes require a public forum. A lawsuit is a formal legal proceeding in which one party sues another in court seeking a remedy such as damages, an injunction, or a declaration of rights.

The process begins with a complaint or petition, continues through service, pleadings, discovery, and often dispositive motions, and may end in settlement, dismissal, or trial. Both individuals and organizations can sue and be sued. Court rules structure every major step.

Lawsuits are costly and time-consuming, which encourages negotiated resolution. They also produce public judgments that clarify legal standards for others. Choosing whether to file requires assessment of claims, defenses, recoverable amounts, and enforceability of any eventual judgment.

• Court proceeding by one party against another
• Seeks damages, injunctions, or other relief
• Progresses through pleadings, discovery, and trial or settlement
• Governed by procedural rules