A complaint is the pleading that starts a case. Essentially, a document that sets forth a jurisdictional basis for the court's power, the plaintiff's cause of action, and a demand for judicial relief. A plaintiff starts a civil action by filing a pleading called a complaint.
The plaintiff files a document (complaint) with the clerk of the court stating the reasons why the plaintiff is suing the defendant, and what action the plaintiff wants the court to take. A copy of the complaint and a summons are delivered to (served on) the defendant.
Filing an ERISA Claim: Step-by-Step Guide Step 1: Start with Solid Documentation. Step 2: Filing Your Claim and Submission Deadlines. Step 3: Appeals Process If Your Claim Is Denied. Step 4: Filing an ERISA Complaint in Federal Court.
A caption identifying the plaintiff and defendant, and the court in which the complaint is being filed. A brief description of the parties (e.g., their name and address). Allegations demonstrating that the court has subject matter jurisdiction, personal jurisdiction, and venue to adjudicate the claims in the complaint.
In essence, a legal complaint initiates a lawsuit, while a lawsuit encompasses the entire process of resolving the dispute in court. The existence of a lawsuit and its course through the judicial process is also referred to as “litigation.”
Personal injury lawsuits such as those stemming from car accidents, medical malpractice, or slip and fall incidents are a one type of civil suit. Other common civil lawsuits include breach of contract, product liability, divorce and family law, property disputes, and housing disputes.
A small claims lawsuit is a claim against another party for damages of an amount less than $3,500.00. These lawsuits are designed to resolve civil disputes in front of a small claims hearing officer or a Justice of the Peace.
The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is responsible for administering and enforcing the fiduciary, reporting and disclosure provisions of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Until February 2003, EBSA was known as the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA).
Common ERISA violations include denying benefits improperly, breaching fiduciary duties, and interfering with employee rights under the plan.