Causes of action in civil litigation are specific claims provided by law that serve as the basis for parties to a lawsuit to recover money or property from each other—or to provide other legal or equitable relief, such as a court order requiring or prohibiting some act (injunctive relief). Examples of causes of action include breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and negligence. Causes of action (also called claims) are usually located in a state or federal statute, or in court opinions (common law).

In Louisiana, causes of action in civil litigation are the legal grounds on which a party files a lawsuit to seek relief, such as monetary compensation or injunctive relief. Louisiana's legal system is based on civil law, which is different from the common law tradition used in other states. This means that many causes of action are codified in statutes, particularly in the Louisiana Civil Code and other relevant state statutes. Examples of causes of action include breach of contract, where one party fails to fulfill their contractual obligations; fraud, involving intentional deception for personal gain; breach of fiduciary duty, where a party violates the trust placed in them; and negligence, where a party's failure to exercise reasonable care causes harm. In addition to state statutes, Louisiana courts also recognize causes of action established through judicial decisions. It is important for parties to understand the specific legal requirements and elements of each cause of action to successfully pursue or defend against a lawsuit in Louisiana.