Plaintiff Definition: The person who initiates, who brings or files a case with a court; who sues. Related Terms: Defendant, Respondent, Litigant, Internet The person who starts, brings an case to court; who sues or who asks the Court for a trial and, if successful, enforceable relief. In Re Shirleys Limited: "Plaintiff means a person who commences an action." May also be called "claimant", "petitioner" or "applicant". The person being sued is generally called the defendant or the respondent. A plaintiff commences the pleadings of a Court action by writing, filing and delivery of a statement of claim. In a tort action, the plaintiff is the one who alleges injury or damages. REFERENCES: Re Shirleys Limited [1919] 10 WWR 918 (Saskatchewan) Categories & Topics: Civil Litigation & Evidence Law Dictionary Tort and Personal Injury Law Dictionary Find you are constantly looking up definitions? Try our search provider (works in most modern browsers) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Legal Dictionary, or if you have legal term suggestion, we'd love to hear from you!