Filing a lawsuit (often called a plaintiff’s petition or complaint) generally requires the plaintiff to file a document (often electronically) in the general form required by the rules of procedure in the applicable state or federal court system, and to pay a filing fee. The petition or complaint must give the defendant (person or entity being sued) reasonable notice of the legal claims asserted and the factual basis for those claims.
In West Virginia, initiating a lawsuit involves the plaintiff filing a petition or complaint with the appropriate court. This document must adhere to the procedural rules of the state or federal court system where the case is being filed. The complaint should clearly outline the legal claims against the defendant and provide a factual basis for each claim, ensuring that the defendant receives reasonable notice of the allegations. Filing electronically is often an option, depending on the court's capabilities. Additionally, the plaintiff is required to pay a filing fee, which varies depending on the type of case and the court. Once the complaint and filing fee are submitted, the court will process the lawsuit, and the plaintiff must then serve the complaint on the defendant to officially notify them of the legal action.