Thousands of people in the U.S. are named in lawsuits every day. It’s not unusual. A lawsuit may result from a fall on your sidewalk, a fender-bender, or just a  misunderstanding about the payment of a debt. If you are sued, it’s important to know what’s involved and to understand your options.

When someone files a lawsuit, they must formally notify everyone being sued. The document that is used to notify those being sued is called a summons. The lawsuit, or complaint, is generally included with the summons. In most jurisdictions, a sheriff or
process server delivers or serves the summons, in person, to the individual being sued (or to someone in his or her household).

Sometimes, especially in lawsuits involving smaller matters, a summons may be served through the mail; usually registered or certified mail that requires a signed receipt indicating it was delivered. The summons tells the person being sued what they must do to protect their rights to defend the suit. It usually includes the deadline for filing an answer to the complaint. The complaint tells the person being sued why the action was brought against him or her and what the demands are.