What is a counterclaim?

A counterclaim is a claim made by a defendant in response to a plaintiff's claim in a legal dispute. It is presented by a defendant in a lawsuit and files against the plaintiff for damages or relief after the plaintiff's initial claim. This type of claim is a legal defense that the defendant may assert to defeat or reduce the plaintiff's lawsuit. A counterclaim can be related or unrelated to the plaintiff's original claim, and it seeks to hold the plaintiff liable for damages that the defendant suffered because of the plaintiff's actions. It can also be used as a bargaining tool to negotiate a settlement and avoid going through a lengthy trial. In summary, a counterclaim is a legally binding argument made by a defendant against a plaintiff, which may ultimately impact the outcome of a case.