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Cross-Claim
A cross-claim is a lawsuit within a lawsuit where one defendant sues another defendant who is on the same side of the original case.
What it actually is
It is a formal legal pleading filed by one party against a co-party—typically a defendant against another defendant—in the same ongoing case. The cross-claim asserts that the co-party is responsible for all or part of the original plaintiff’s claim, or that the co-party owes the cross-claimant something related to the same transaction or occurrence.
Why it matters in your case
It matters because it allows a defendant to shift liability or recover damages from another defendant without having to start a separate lawsuit, saving time and court resources. For someone in a case, it means you may need to defend not only against the original plaintiff but also against a co-defendant who blames you for the same incident.
The common misunderstanding
People often confuse a cross-claim with a counterclaim, but a counterclaim is against the original plaintiff, not against a co-party. Another common mistake is thinking a cross-claim is optional—it is a right, but failing to assert it in time may forfeit that right.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.