[header] How to know if you have a lawsuit [title] Learn the elements of your claim. [step] The basic elements of your claim indicate what you must prove to win your case. [substeps] Claims-also called causes of action-are broken down into specific components. 
You must have proof of each of these components to put together a good case. For example, if you've hired a contractor to complete home repairs and he didn't complete the repairs according to the contract, you may want to sue him for breach of contract.