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How to Say "legal claim" in Spanish

English → Spanish

demanda

deh-MAHN-dahdeˈmanda

nounB2formal
Use 'demanda' when referring to the formal initiation of a lawsuit or a legal action filed in court.
A figure wearing a simple black robe sits behind a large wooden desk, observing two figures standing opposite each other. One figure is holding a rolled-up legal document, symbolizing a lawsuit.

Examples

El abogado presentó la demanda ayer por la mañana.

The lawyer filed the lawsuit yesterday morning.

Ganaron la demanda después de un largo juicio.

They won the lawsuit after a long trial.

Recibimos una demanda por incumplimiento de contrato.

We received a legal claim for breach of contract.

Key Verbs

When talking about starting a lawsuit, the most common verbs are 'presentar' (to file) or 'poner' (to put/file). For winning, use 'ganar' (to win).

reclamación

nounB2formal
Choose 'reclamación' when the focus is on demanding one's rights or seeking compensation, often before or without formal court proceedings.

Examples

La reclamación de daños fue aceptada por el juez.

The claim for damages was accepted by the judge.

Demanda vs. Reclamación

Learners often confuse 'demanda' and 'reclamación' because both can involve seeking something through a legal process. Remember that 'demanda' specifically refers to the official court filing (the lawsuit itself), while 'reclamación' is a broader term for a demand or assertion of a right, which may or may not lead to a lawsuit.

Related Translations

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