What is the difference between a claim and a lawsuit?

The difference between a claim and a lawsuit is that a claim is when a person submits a request for reimbursement or payment from an insurance company for an injury or damage that has occurred. This is usually done prior to taking legal action. A lawsuit is a legal action brought against an individual or an entity, usually by a person seeking to recover damages for a wrong done to them. In Washington, claimants first have to file a claim with the relevant insurance company. If a settlement is not reached, claimants may then take the matter to court, where a lawsuit can be filed. In a lawsuit, the claimant is the plaintiff and the defendant is the person or entity being sued. The plaintiff must then prove that the defendant is responsible for their injury or damage and that they are entitled to compensation. Lawsuits are expensive and can take a long time to resolve. In contrast, an insurance claim is often a simpler and faster process. However, in both cases, claimants should seek the advice of a lawyer to ensure that their rights are fully protected.

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