When the newspaper refused to admit that the story was false, the actor 'filed/initiated a lawsuit' against the publisher. [=the actor sued the publisher]
They agreed to pay $100,000 to 'settle a lawsuit'. [=to end a lawsuit before the court made a decision about it]
a complex 'lawsuit' [='suit'] that may take years to resolve
(..) He knocked the poor kid unconscious last time they were alone together. So what'll it be, gentlemen, a civil rights lawsuit the size of Montana? 'Cause I'll oblige you. Oh, so long, Rocky. Keep your left up. Detectives, (..)2013 TvShow: Breaking Bad Title: Confessions Season: 5 Episode 11