In Austin, Texas, a general denial is a legal term that refers to a type of response or pleading filed by a defendant in a civil lawsuit. When a defendant files a general denial, they are essentially denying all the allegations made by the plaintiff in the lawsuit. This pleading is commonly used when a defendant wants to dispute every claim brought against them and does not want to admit to any wrongdoing. The general denial is typically a short and concise document that simply states that the defendant denies all allegations in the plaintiff's complaint. This pleading puts the burden of proof on the plaintiff to provide evidence for each of their claims, forcing them to establish their case. By filing a general denial, the defendant does not need to provide any specific evidence or defenses at this early stage of the litigation process. Alongside a general denial, a defendant in Austin, Texas may also raise affirmative defenses. Affirmative defenses are legal arguments that, if proven, can excuse the defendant from liability even if the plaintiff's allegations are true. These defenses assert that even if the allegations are accurate, there are other legal reasons why the defendant should not be held accountable. Some common examples of affirmative defenses in Austin, Texas include: 1. Contributory or Comparative Negligence: The defendant argues that the plaintiff's own negligence or carelessness contributed to or caused the injury or harm they suffered. 2. Statute of Limitations: The defendant claims that the lawsuit was filed after the expiration of the statutory deadline for bringing such claims. 3. Immunity: The defendant argues that they are protected from the lawsuit by immunity, such as government officials being shielded from certain lawsuits due to their official capacity. 4. Consent: The defendant asserts that the plaintiff consented to the actions that allegedly caused harm or injury. 5. Duress: The defendant claims that they were forced to act against their will due to threats or coercion. 6. Estoppel: The defendant argues that the plaintiff is barred from bringing the lawsuit because they previously gave up or waived their rights in a related matter. It is important to note that these are just a few examples, and there may be other affirmative defenses that can be raised depending on the specific circumstances of the case. It is advisable to consult with a qualified attorney to determine the most appropriate defenses in any given situation.