What Is an Answer?

An answer is the document a defendant files in response to a complaint. In an answer, the defendant responds to the allegations made by the plaintiff and identifies any defenses that may apply. Filing an answer is one of the first and most important steps in defending a lawsuit.

For each allegation in the complaint, the defendant will generally admit the allegation, deny the allegation, or state that the defendant lacks sufficient information to admit or deny it. The answer may also include affirmative defenses, which are legal defenses that can limit or defeat the plaintiff's claims even if certain facts are true.

In construction disputes, common defenses may involve disputes regarding contract terms, payment obligations, project delays, change orders, workmanship, damages, mechanic's lien rights, or compliance with Ohio's Home Construction Service Suppliers Act (HCSSA) and Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA).

A defendant may also assert counterclaims within the answer. A counterclaim is a claim brought by the defendant against the plaintiff arising out of the same dispute or transaction. For example, in a construction case, a contractor sued for defective work may assert a counterclaim for unpaid invoices, while a homeowner sued for nonpayment may assert claims relating to defective workmanship.

Failing to file a timely answer can have serious consequences. In some situations, a court may enter a default judgment against a defendant who does not respond to the complaint. Because deadlines are important, anyone who receives a lawsuit should carefully review the documents and consider seeking legal advice promptly.