Since cause of action is needed to begin a case, it is essential in all types of civil lawsuits, including personal injury. Cause of action refers to all the information and/or allegations that serve as a basis for a lawsuit when it is filed. Without a cause of action, in any area of civil law, the plaintiff will be unable to sue. In order to initiate the lawsuit and establish cause of action, the plaintiff may file a complaint, in which he would state the facts against the defendant and the legal issues at stake in the case. In a personal injury case, the legal reasoning used as the cause of action would most likely be negligence. The cause of action would also include what is being requested of the court - such as compensation for damages.