Filed lawsuits is a term used to describe the actual legal action that is taking place in a civil court of law. When a person feels that someone else or a business has in some way failed in their responsibility to another or has been the direct or indirect cause of another's injuries, they may file a lawsuit against the other party. The lawsuit is filed by the plaintiff, or rather the plaintiff's attorney in most situations. The lawsuit is filed within the local, county, state or even federal court, depending on the location of the involved individuals. The person or business accused is the defendant. Once a lawsuit is filed, it may be heart by a judge or sent to a jury trial. The judge has the ability to throw out, or not hear, the case, as well.