Answer to Complaint

An Answer to Complaint is a legal document that is filed by a defendant in response to a medical malpractice complaint. The answer typically includes a paragraph-by-paragraph response to the allegations in the complaint, admitting or denying each allegation and setting forth any affirmative defenses or counterclaims. The purpose of the answer is to frame the issues in dispute and to provide notice to the plaintiff of the defendant’s position on the merits of the case. In some jurisdictions, the answer must be filed within a specific time period after service of the complaint, while in others the defendant may have additional time to investigate the claim and prepare a response.