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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COUNTERCLAIMS AND CROSSCLAIMS?

In litigation, the terms "counterclaim" and "cross-claim" are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion among those new to the legal process. However, the two types of claims serve very distinct purposes in a lawsuit. A counterclaim is filed by a defendant against a plaintiff, asserting that the plaintiff's own actions caused harm or damages. On the other hand, a cross-claim is filed by a co-defendant against another co-defendant who may be responsible for the harm or damages. It is crucial to understand the difference between these claims to properly prepare and defend yourself in court.