What to Do if You Get Sued in 2026 (Follow These 5 Steps)

Wondering what to do if you get sued? Review the complaint and understand what the plaintiff is seeking and why.

As a defendant in a civil lawsuit, you must respond by the claim’s deadline. Hire an attorney for legal expertise to minimize the lawsuit’s impact on your life.

Keep reading to learn how to respond to being sued. We also cover what to do if you get sued for credit card debt.

I’m being sued — now what? Enter your ZIP code to consult an attorney for free.

What to Do When You Are Being Sued: 5 Simple Steps

If someone sues you, how are you notified? How you find out if a lawsuit has been filed against you is by being served with the summons by a federal marshall.

Civil cases are a type of lawsuit where a plaintiff files a formal complaint with the court, which then serves the notice to you, the defendant. Follow the steps below to learn what to do if you have been sued.

Step #1: Review the Complaint

I am being sued — what do I do? First, read the lawsuit carefully to understand the claims against you and what the plaintiff wants in damages. The claim will explain what led to the lawsuit and the damages being sought. It will also include why the court has jurisdiction and when you need to file your response.

Step #2: Hire an Attorney

The most important thing to do when you find out you are being sued — as soon as you are served with a complaint — is to contact a lawyer immediately. Do not wait. An attorney is skilled in litigation law (negotiating) and can help settle your case before trial if that is the best option.

They can tell you how to respond to the claims, what your defenses may be, and prepare your case for trial. An attorney will also exchange information and evidence with the plaintiff through formal legal requests for documents, interrogatories, and depositions to gather evidence.

In most cases, your lawyer will serve as your agent in court, taking responsibility for filing legal forms, talking to the judge, and presenting your arguments.

Step #3: Respond by the Deadline

As most complaints will state, there is a set period of time (usually around thirty days) in which you may legally respond to the claims when you are being sued. If you wait too long, a default judgment is entered against you.

If you’re wondering how to file an answer to a lawsuit, check out our guide to determine which court to file a lawsuit in.

Step #4: Mediation

Before going to trial, explore options like mediation or settlement negotiations to potentially resolve the dispute outside of court. Unlike a trial, mediation allows the parties to maintain control over the outcome and save time, stress, and costs.

Is the agreement reached in mediation enforceable? The agreement can be legally binding, but the case proceeds to trial if no settlement is reached in time.

Step #5: Trial

Civil lawsuits go to trial when parties cannot agree on a settlement or resolution through negotiation, mediation, or other pretrial methods. Both sides present their case, including witnesses and evidence, to a judge or jury, who issues a verdict.

Read More: Who can file a lawsuit?

What to Do if You Get Sued for Debt

If you get sued by a creditor or debt collector, don’t ignore it — acting quickly is important. Here’s what to do if you get sued by a credit card company:

Legal Guidelines for Responding to a Civil Lawsuit

First, read the lawsuit carefully to understand the claims, including how much it says you owe. If you don’t recognize the debt, ask for proof.

Next, check the deadline to respond (usually 20-30 days). File your answer within that time to admit, deny, or explain the claims against you. This stops the credit card company from winning automatically.

During the process, consider negotiating a settlement. You might be able to pay less than the full amount. Reach out to a lawyer if you need help or legal aid services.

Read More: 3 Things Not to Do When Being Sued by a Debt Collector

How to Respond to a Lawsuit Without an Attorney

I’m getting sued but can’t afford an attorney — what do I do? The judgment debtor can respond to the lawsuit without a lawyer by preparing an answer to the complaint themselves that denies or addresses the allegations.

Visit a law library website and search “Answer to Complaint” in the Pleading and Practice index for a general format. Your answer should include a verification section at the end, where you sign and date under penalty of perjury, confirming your statements are true.

File the completed answer at the court with the verification and proof of service. The proof of service states you’re over 18 and mailed a copy of the documents to the opposing party (or their attorney) via first-class mail, listing their name, address, and mailing date. Ensure the filing, mailing, and signature dates all match.

Case Studies: Navigating Lawsuits and Legal Challenges

These case studies reveal what happens when people get sued, showing the consequences of different responses. Find out what to do if you get sued and how to react to a lawsuit — whether it’s negotiating, appeals, or knowing which critical mistakes to avoid.

Read More: If I appeal a court’s decision, will it delay the judgment?

Case Study 1: The Importance of Timely Response

In this case, John was served with a complaint stating that he was being sued for damages resulting from a car accident. However, John failed to respond within the specified timeframe and missed his opportunity for car accident mediation. A default judgment was entered against him. This case highlights the crucial need for immediate action and contacting an attorney to avoid unfavorable outcomes.

Case Study 2: Expert Guidance in Legal Matters

Sarah found herself being sued for negligence in a personal injury case. Recognizing the complexity of the situation, she sought the help of an attorney experienced in personal injury law. Her attorney guided her through the legal process, informed her of possible defenses, and was able to skillfully negotiate a bodily injury settlement before the case went to trial.

Case Study 3: Accessing Legal Resources

In this case, Mark received a complaint demanding a significant amount of money. Feeling overwhelmed, he sought legal assistance but wasn’t sure where to find a lawyer. Mark contacted his local bar association and utilized online resources, such as a nationwide attorney database, to find an attorney who could provide the necessary legal help.

How to React to Being Sued

Am I being sued? If you’ve been served with a complaint notifying you that you are being sued for a lot of money, you need to respond to it as soon as possible. The complaint will list the reason you’re getting sued and the damages sought. Learn the legal definition of damages to understand what you could lose in the lawsuit.

Contact an attorney right away to prepare for negotiations. They will know what to do if you get sued for debt, auto accidents, or business contracts.

To find an attorney, contact your local bar association or enter your ZIP code to connect with a lawyer near you for free.