Okuzeka
Law vocabulary · Lawsuits & Procedure

Sue

Meaning in law, with examples

/suː/verbCore term

In law, sue means: To start a legal claim against a person or organisation in a civil court, usually to get money for harm or loss they caused.

In Turkish: dava açmak, dava etmek, mahkemeye vermek

How it is used

Followed directly by the person: 'sue the company', 'sue someone for damages', 'sue for breach of contract'. Common in news and client conversations. The passive 'be sued' is also frequent.

Example sentences

  1. The supplier is threatening to sue us for unpaid invoices.

  2. She sued her former employer for unpaid overtime and won.

Common collocations

  • sue for damages
  • sue for breach of contract
  • be sued
  • threaten to sue
  • lawsuitA claim that one person or company brings against another in a civil court, usually asking for money or for an order to stop something.
  • plaintiffThe person or company that starts a civil case in court against someone else and asks the court for a remedy.
  • defendantThe person or company that a case is brought against: the side that must answer a civil claim or a criminal charge.
  • claimA formal demand for money, property or another remedy, especially one made in court; also a statement that something is true which has not yet been proved.
  • damagesMoney that a court orders one party to pay another as compensation for loss or harm caused by a breach of contract or another legal wrong.

More terms: Lawsuits & Procedure

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.