Civil cases often involve legal disagreements between individuals, businesses, corporations, or partnerships. A person can also be involved in a civil case with a government entity such as a state, county, or city.
The person that begins the process is called the plaintiff.
The person or entity that someone is seeking damages from is called the defendant.
There are 3 types of lawsuits that can be brought in court:
Small claims
Seeking damages for less than $3,500
No lawyers are involved (think Judge Judy), unless both sides agree to allow lawyers