What is a counterclaim?

A counterclaim is a specific type of legal claim brought by a defendant against a plaintiff in response to the original claim or lawsuit. It allows the defendant to assert their own cause of action, effectively turning the tables in the legal proceedings. This claim can be related to the original case or arise from an entirely different matter. By filing a counterclaim, the defendant not only defends against the allegations made by the plaintiff but also seeks relief or damages from the plaintiff in the process.

In the context of the other options, a claim made by a plaintiff against a defendant describes the initial action that starts the lawsuit, which does not fit the definition of a counterclaim. A formal rejection of the initial claim refers to a defense against the plaintiff's allegations, but it does not advance any claims of the defendant. Similarly, a settlement offer made by the defendant does not constitute a counterclaim, as it seeks to resolve the matter without proceeding to a decision on the claims. Therefore, recognizing that a counterclaim specifically involves a defendant asserting their own claim against the plaintiff is essential for understanding how legal proceedings can evolve in response to initial claims.