Legal Definitions - litigable

Litigable describes a matter, dispute, or claim that is suitable for resolution through a lawsuit or other legal proceedings in a court of law. It means the issue can be legally challenged, argued, and decided by a judge or jury.

Here are some examples:

• Imagine a scenario where a building contractor fails to complete a renovation project according to the agreed-upon specifications and timeline, causing significant financial losses for the homeowner. The homeowner's claim for damages due to the contractor's breach of contract is litigable. This means the homeowner can initiate a lawsuit, presenting evidence of the contract, the contractor's failures, and the resulting losses, for a court to decide the outcome and potential compensation.

• Consider two companies that have a dispute over intellectual property. One company alleges that the other has copied its patented design for a new electronic device without permission. This accusation of patent infringement is a litigable issue. The aggrieved company can file a lawsuit in court, seeking an injunction to stop the alleged copying and demanding financial compensation for the unauthorized use of their patented technology.

• Suppose a tenant moves out of an apartment, and the landlord refuses to return their security deposit, claiming extensive damage beyond normal wear and tear. The tenant disputes these claims, arguing the apartment was left in good condition. This disagreement over the security deposit is a litigable matter. The tenant could take the landlord to small claims court, presenting evidence like photos or move-in/move-out checklists, to have a judge determine whether the deposit should be returned.