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Third-Party Claim
A third-party claim is when a defendant in a lawsuit brings a new person or company into the case, saying that new party should be responsible for any money the defendant might have to pay the original plaintiff.
What it actually is
In a civil case, after the plaintiff sues the defendant, the defendant may file a third-party claim against someone not originally named, arguing that this new party owes the defendant money or a legal duty that would cover the plaintiff's claims. This typically happens when the defendant believes the third party is the true cause of the harm or is required by law to pay for it. The third-party claim becomes part of the same lawsuit, allowing all related disputes to be resolved together.
Why it matters in your case
It matters because it can spread or shift financial responsibility to another person or company, potentially reducing the defendant's own exposure. For a person involved, it means the case may become more complex, with additional parties and arguments to address.
The common misunderstanding
People often confuse a third-party claim with a counterclaim, but a counterclaim is against the original plaintiff, while a third-party claim targets someone entirely new. Another common misunderstanding is thinking that a third-party claim automatically lets the defendant avoid liability, when in fact the defendant remains responsible unless the court rules otherwise.
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.