Legal Definitions - new cause of action

NEW CAUSE OF ACTION

A new legal claim or lawsuit that arises from a different set of facts or circumstances than a previous claim or lawsuit.

• John sues his former employer for wrongful termination. Later, he discovers that the employer also discriminated against him based on his race. John can file a new cause of action for discrimination.
• A car accident victim initially sues the driver who hit them for negligence. Later, they discover that the driver was also under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident. The victim can file a new cause of action for driving under the influence.

These examples illustrate how a new cause of action can arise from different facts or circumstances than a previous claim or lawsuit. In both cases, the plaintiffs discovered new information that gave rise to a new legal claim.