(1) A pleading which sets forth a claim for relief, whether an original claim, counterclaim, cross claim, or third-party claim, shall contain (a) a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief and (b) a demand for judgment for the relief to which he deems himself entitled. Relief in the alternative or of several different types may be demanded.
Rule 8.01.Claims for relief.
Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceRule 8.01 requires a claim for relief - original, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim - to state in short, plain terms why the pleader deserves relief and what judgment is demanded, and it bars a specific dollar figure for unliquidated damages beyond the jurisdictional minimum, letting interrogatories fix the amount claimed.
Full Text of Rule 8.01
(2) In any action for unliquidated damages the prayer for damages in any pleading shall not recite any sum as alleged damages other than an allegation that damages are in excess of any minimum dollar amount necessary to establish the jurisdiction of the court; provided, however, that all parties shall have the right to advise the trier of fact as to what amounts are fair and reasonable as shown by the evidence. When a claim is made against a party for unliquidated damages, that party may obtain information as to the amount claimed by interrogatories. If this is done, the amount claimed shall not exceed the last amount stated in answer to interrogatories; provided, however, that the trial court has discretion to allow a supplement to the answer to interrogatories at any time where there has been no prejudice to the defendant.
Amendment History
(Amended October 18, 1977, effective January 1, 1978; amended June 29, 1984, effective January 1, 1985; amended June 30, 1986, effective January 1, 1987; amended November 13, 2006, effective January 1, 2007.)
Plain-English Summary
Rule 8.01 sets the baseline for every claim filed in a Kentucky court, whether it is the plaintiff's original complaint, a counterclaim, a cross-claim, or a third-party claim. The pleading needs only a short and plain statement showing why the pleader is entitled to relief, plus a demand for judgment. A party can ask for more than one kind of relief, even inconsistent kinds, in the same pleading.
The rule also controls how damages are pleaded when the amount is not fixed. A complaint cannot name a specific dollar figure for unliquidated damages beyond stating that they exceed the minimum needed to put the claim in that court. The opposing party can use interrogatories to pin down the actual amount claimed, and once answered, the claim is capped at that figure unless the trial court allows the answer to be updated later without prejudice to the defendant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask for more than one kind of relief in my complaint?
Yes. Rule 8.01 allows a pleading to demand relief in the alternative or of several different types, even within the same claim.
Why can't I put a specific dollar amount in my complaint?
For unliquidated damages, Rule 8.01 blocks a pleading from naming a dollar figure beyond an allegation that damages exceed the minimum needed to establish the court's jurisdiction. Parties can still tell the jury or judge what amount the evidence supports at trial.
How does the other side find out how much money I'm claiming?
Rule 8.01 lets a party facing an unliquidated damages claim ask for the amount through interrogatories. Once answered, the claim cannot exceed the last figure given, though the trial court may allow a later supplement if it will not prejudice the defendant.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure (Ky. R. Civ. P. 8.01). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Kentucky (Ky. Const. § 116). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: how to state a claim in kentuckydemand for judgment kentucky civil rulescan I sue for alternative reliefunliquidated damages pleading kentuckywhy cant I put a dollar amount in my complaintinterrogatories to find out damages claimed