Lawyers
What is Plaintiff?
Definition
A plaintiff is the person or entity that initiates a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint. The plaintiff carries the burden of proof — by a preponderance of the evidence in most civil cases — to establish liability and damages against the defendant.
Real-World Example
An injured tenant files a slip-and-fall suit against a landlord. The tenant is the plaintiff; the landlord is the defendant.
Why It Matters
Knowing which side of the caption you sit on determines discovery obligations, filing deadlines and settlement leverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can there be multiple plaintiffs?
Yes, through joinder or class certification. Mass torts and class actions are prominent examples.