Louisiana Third Party Summons in a Civil Action is a process used to add a third party as a defendant to an existing civil lawsuit. It is employed when the plaintiff believes that the third party is liable for all or part of the damages sought in the initial lawsuit. There are three types of Louisiana Third Party Summons in a Civil Action: a Third Party Summons by Publication, a Third Party Summons by Mail, and a Third Party Summons by Personal Service. A Third Party Summons by Publication is issued when the identity of the third party is unknown, and involves publishing a notice in a local newspaper. The notice must include a description of the lawsuit, the court where it is being heard, and the deadline for a response. A Third Party Summons by Mail is used when the identity of the third party is known, but they cannot be found in the jurisdiction of the court. The summons is typically sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of the third party. A Third Party Summons by Personal Service is issued when the identity and address of the third party is known. The summons must be served on the third party by a sheriff or other authorized individual. The service must be done in accordance with the rules of civil procedure.