Which statement accurately defines a cross-claim?

Which statement accurately defines a cross-claim?

• A. A cross-claim is any claim by one party against a co-party arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter either of the original action or of a counterclaim therein.
• B. A cross-claim is always against a party to the same contract.
• C. A cross-claim is against the plaintiff only.
• D. A cross-claim is a separate action filed by a third party.

Answer: (A)

A cross-claim is a claim by one party against a co-party arising out of the same transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the original action or of a counterclaim therein. This means you’re bringing a dispute against someone involved in the lawsuit with you, within the same case, and the dispute must stem from the same event or facts that gave rise to the original suit or to a counterclaim. It isn’t directed at the plaintiff, and it isn’t a separate action filed by a third party. The other statements are too narrow or describe a different procedural vehicle (like a third-party action) and therefore don’t fit the concept as well.

A cross-claim is a claim by one party against a co-party arising out of the same transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the original action or of a counterclaim therein. This means you’re bringing a dispute against someone involved in the lawsuit with you, within the same case, and the dispute must stem from the same event or facts that gave rise to the original suit or to a counterclaim. It isn’t directed at the plaintiff, and it isn’t a separate action filed by a third party. The other statements are too narrow or describe a different procedural vehicle (like a third-party action) and therefore don’t fit the concept as well.