Notice of Intent to Sue

A notice of intent to sue is a formal written communication sent by one party to another, informing them of their intention to file a lawsuit for a specific claim or dispute. In construction, a notice of intent to sue may be sent by an owner to a contractor for defective work, by a contractor to an owner for non-payment, or by a third party to a contractor for property damage or personal injury. The notice typically includes a description of the claim, the legal basis for the claim, the damages or relief sought, and the deadline for response or resolution before filing the lawsuit. The purpose of a notice of intent to sue is to provide the recipient with a final opportunity to settle the claim or dispute, avoid the costs and risks of litigation, and preserve the sender’s legal rights and remedies. A notice of intent to sue is a serious and consequential step that should be taken only after careful consideration and exhaustion of other dispute resolution methods, and with the guidance of legal counsel.