What is an 'Answer'?
The employer's formal response to your Complaint.
After we file the Complaint to start your lawsuit, the employer must file a formal written response with the court. That document is called the Answer.
Why it matters to you
In the Answer, the employer responds to each factual allegation in the Complaint, usually by admitting or denying each statement. It also lists the employer's defenses, the legal arguments they plan to use against your claims.
Reading the Answer can be upsetting. Employers routinely deny almost everything at this stage, even facts that seem obvious. That is standard litigation posture, not a sign your case is weak. The Answer simply sets the employer's starting position, and the discovery process is where both sides must actually back up their positions with evidence.
An example from an employment case
Suppose your Complaint alleges you were fired two weeks after reporting sexual harassment. The employer's Answer might admit the date you were fired, deny that the firing had anything to do with your report, and assert a defense that you were let go for performance reasons. Proving which version is true comes later.
Every case is different. Ask your legal team how this applies to yours.
Related terms
Complaint, Defenses, Service of Process, Legal Claim
Still have questions? Your legal team is happy to help. Message us through the client portal or call the office, and we will point you to the right person.