When you file a personal injury claim in California, it might end up in a lawsuit. But one of the terms you’ll hear if you reach this point is a Complaint, which is:
- The court filing that lays out what happened, who’s responsible, and what damages you’re asking for.
The Complaint is the starting point of the lawsuit, but it’s far from the only thing you’ll need to be ready for. Our team of California personal injury lawyers at Maison Law can help you through the whole process. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
What’s in a Complaint?
A California personal injury Complaint usually includes a few key pieces:
- Your story of what happened in a clear, factual timeline
- Who you’re suing (the defendant) and their connection to the accident
- The legal reasons you believe they’re responsible (negligence, premises liability, etc.)
- The harm you suffered, including your physical injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages
- What you’re asking for, which is typically financial help for the losses caused by the accident
Once that Complaint is filed, here’s what happens next:
- Serving the Complaint. The defendant has to be formally notified that they’re being sued. A process server (or sometimes certified mail) delivers the Complaint and a summons. This step makes everything official and triggers the defendant’s deadline to respond.
- Notice of Appearance. Once the defendant receives the lawsuit, their insurance company usually hires a lawyer to represent them. That lawyer files a “notice of appearance” so everyone knows who’s handling the defense.
- The Defendant’s Answer. Next, the defendant files an “Answer.” This is their chance to respond to each part of your Complaint—admitting, denying, or saying they don’t have enough information. They may also raise defenses, including arguments about comparative fault. If they don’t answer in time, you could technically win by default, but that’s extremely rare in personal injury cases.
Every case moves at its own pace once these steps are underway. Some lawsuits settle early; others take more time and involve discovery, negotiations, and possibly trial. What stays constant is that you shouldn’t have to figure any of this out on your own.
Get Help From Maison Law After an Injury in California
A serious injury doesn’t just leave you hurt — it can throw your entire life off track. Suddenly you’re juggling doctor visits, missed work, insurance calls, and worries about how long this is all going to last. It’s a lot, and you shouldn’t have to dig through legal rules or fight with adjusters on your own.
That’s where we come in. At Maison Law, we step in early to help you make sense of the process. We:
- Gather the paperwork and evidence you’ll need
- Deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to
- Keep your case moving forward
And if your claim ever needs to move into a lawsuit, we make sure everything is prepared the right way from the start. You’ll always know what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what your options are. Set up a free consultation today.
