Causes of action in civil litigation are specific claims provided by law that serve as the basis for parties to a lawsuit to recover money or property from each other—or to provide other legal or equitable relief, such as a court order requiring or prohibiting some act (injunctive relief). Examples of causes of action include breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and negligence. Causes of action (also called claims) are usually located in a state or federal statute, or in court opinions (common law).
In Michigan, causes of action in civil litigation are the legal grounds on which a plaintiff bases their lawsuit to seek remedies such as monetary compensation, the return of property, or injunctive relief. Common causes of action include breach of contract, where one party fails to fulfill their obligations under a contract; fraud, involving intentional deception for personal gain; breach of fiduciary duty, where an individual fails to act in the best interest of another while in a position of trust; and negligence, where a party's failure to exercise reasonable care causes harm to another. These claims can be found in Michigan state statutes, such as the Michigan Compiled Laws, or may arise from common law, which is developed through court decisions. An attorney can help identify the specific causes of action that apply to a case, interpret the relevant laws, and provide guidance on the legal process in Michigan courts.