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How do I start a lawsuit?

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lawsuit is a way to get money or other relief if something’s gone wrong. It might be getting poor service under a contract, being injured in a car accident, getting fired unfairly, or not getting repaid a debt.

The party who feels they were wronged starts a lawsuit by filing documents in court. In British Columbia, where you bring a lawsuit depends on the dollar value of the claim and its subject. As well, there’s a time limit to sue. And alternative options to consider.

We explain all of these points and more in our page on starting a lawsuit. Our page on suing someone in Small Claims Court explains the process to start a lawsuit in that court.

  • This information applies to British Columbia, Canada
  • Reviewed for legal accuracy in August 2019

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This information from People’s Law School explains in a general way the law that applies in British Columbia, Canada. The information is not intended as legal advice. See our disclaimer.

We are grateful to work on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, whose Peoples continue to live on and care for these lands.