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Counterclaim
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<p>In a court of law, a party's claim is a counterclaim if one party asserts claims in response to the claims of another. In other words, if a plaintiff initiates a lawsuit and a defendant responds to the lawsuit with claims of their own against the plaintiff, the defendant's claims are "counterclaims." </p><p>Examples of counterclaims include: </p> <ul><li>After a bank has sued a customer for an unpaid <a href="/facts/Debt/VDKsvv1q">debt</a>, the customer counterclaims (sues back) against the bank for fraud in procuring the debt. The court will sort out the different claims in one lawsuit (unless the claims are severed).</li> <li>Two cars collide. After one person sues for damage to his/her car and personal injuries, the defendant counterclaims for similar property damage and personal injury claims.</li></ul>