Legal Definitions - answer date

The answer date refers to the specific deadline by which a person or entity who has been sued (known as the defendant) must formally respond to the legal claims made against them in court. This formal response, often called an "answer," typically addresses each allegation in the lawsuit, and may include defenses or counterclaims. It is a critical deadline because failing to file a response by the answer date can lead to serious consequences, such as a default judgment being entered against the defendant.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of an answer date:

• Breach of Contract Lawsuit: Imagine a small business owner, Sarah, is sued by a supplier for allegedly failing to pay for a large shipment of goods. When Sarah receives the official court documents, known as a summons and complaint, these papers will clearly state an answer date. This date might be 30 days from the day she was served with the lawsuit. Sarah must ensure her attorney files a formal response to the supplier's claims by this specific date, outlining her defenses (e.g., the goods were defective, or she had already paid). If she misses this deadline, the court could rule in favor of the supplier without ever hearing her side of the story.

• Personal Injury Claim: Consider a situation where Mark is involved in a car accident and is subsequently sued by the other driver for negligence, seeking compensation for medical expenses and damages. When Mark receives the lawsuit papers, they will specify an answer date. This is the deadline by which Mark, or his insurance company's legal team, must file a formal response with the court. This response might admit certain facts about the accident but deny negligence, or it might raise defenses such as the other driver's own fault. Meeting this answer date is crucial to ensure Mark's defense is heard and to prevent an automatic judgment against him.

• Eviction Proceedings: Suppose a landlord initiates an eviction lawsuit against a tenant, Emily, for unpaid rent. After receiving the official court summons and complaint, Emily will find a clearly stated answer date. This date is the deadline by which she must file a formal response with the court, explaining her reasons for not paying rent (e.g., the landlord failed to make necessary repairs, or she was illegally overcharged). By filing her answer by this date, Emily ensures she has the opportunity to present her defense to the judge and potentially avoid an immediate eviction order.