What to do if sued

2次大中小

A lawsuit is a method by which persons resolve a dispute. If you have been sued， a person or entity，the plaintiff， is requesting the assistance of a court in resolving a dispute they have with you， the defendant. The paperwork notifying you that you are being sued is called a summons. The summons will explain how to respond， how long you have to respond，and to where the response must be made. Whether or not you believe the lawsuit is fair or valid， it is vital that you act on the summons. If you do not respond to the suit， a judgment may be rendered against you by default. This usually means that a judge has made a determination that you are indebted to the plaintiff.The plaintiff， with the assistance of a sheriff or constable， can seize certain assets， including money in your bank accounts， to pay the judgment. If you receive a summons informing you that you are being sued， even if you agree that you owe the plaintiff money， you should consult with a qualified attorney.

翻译：诉讼是人们解决纠纷的一种方式，如果提起诉讼，原告（如自然人或实体，在我国通常指法人或其他组织）会请求法院帮助解决与被告之间的争议。而那张告知当事人其被提起诉讼的法律文书就是传票，传票会告知当事人如何回复、在多长时间内必须回复以及在哪做出回复。无论这起诉讼是否是公平的或者是有根据的，认真对待传票对当事人来说是至关重要的。如果当事人不予应诉，法庭将做出缺席判决，这通常意味着法官认为被告的确对原告负有义务。在治安官的帮助下（在我国通常指执行庭的法官）通过查封被告的财产（包括被告在银行的账户）原告可以得到应得的财产（实际中败诉方还必须承担诉讼费用）。如果你接到被起诉的传票，即使你承认你的确欠原告的钱，你也应该先找一位资深的律师进行咨询。（笔者注：在美国，人们的法律意识非常强，美国人的口头禅常常是：请和我的律师交谈！）

1 lawsuit n.诉讼（尤指非刑事案件）

2 sue vt.控告，向……请求，请愿 vi.提出诉讼，

提出请求

3 Entity n.实体

4 plaintiff n.[律]起诉人，原告

5 request vt.请求，要求 n.请求，要求，邀请

6 assistance n.协助，援助，补助， <英>国家补助

7 summons n.召唤， [律]传唤，召集，传票

vt.传唤到法院，唤出，传到

8 paperwork n.文书工作

9 fair adj.美丽的，女性的，（肤色）白皙的，

（头发）金黄的，干净的，公平的，（天气）晴朗的