Legal Definitions - action at law

An action at law refers to a type of lawsuit filed in a court where the primary goal is to enforce a legal right or obtain monetary compensation (known as damages) for a wrong. Historically, these actions were heard in common law courts, distinguishing them from 'actions in equity,' which sought non-monetary remedies like specific performance or injunctions. While most modern courts handle both types of cases, the term still highlights that the central relief being sought is financial compensation.

• Example 1: Breach of Contract

  Imagine a small business, "Green Thumb Landscaping," hires a marketing firm to design and launch a new website by a specific date. The contract stipulates a launch date and a penalty for delays. The marketing firm misses the deadline by several weeks, causing Green Thumb Landscaping to lose potential new clients and revenue during a peak season.

  How it illustrates the term: Green Thumb Landscaping could file an action at law against the marketing firm. Their primary goal would be to recover the specific monetary losses incurred due to the delay, such as lost profits and any contractual penalties. They are seeking a quantifiable sum of money to compensate for the breach of contract.

• Example 2: Personal Injury Claim

  A pedestrian is seriously injured when a delivery truck, whose driver was distracted, runs a red light and hits them. The pedestrian suffers broken bones, requires extensive medical treatment, and is unable to work for several months, losing significant income.

  How it illustrates the term: The injured pedestrian would likely file an action at law against the trucking company and/or the driver. They would seek monetary damages to cover their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. The entire focus of the lawsuit is on obtaining financial compensation for the harm caused.

• Example 3: Property Damage

  A homeowner discovers that a neighboring construction project has inadvertently caused significant cracks in their home's foundation due to improper excavation techniques. Repairing the foundation will cost a substantial amount of money.

  How it illustrates the term: The homeowner can initiate an action at law against the construction company. Their objective is to recover the exact cost of repairing the foundation and any other related property damage. The lawsuit is centered on obtaining a specific monetary sum to restore their property to its previous condition.