s an action against the merchant who sold the item, the merchant might assert that the equipment was improperly constructed, and thus would file a third-party complaint against the manufacturer.
             If a counterclaim is filed against the plaintiff, a reply to the allegations is required. Where a third-party complaint has been made, the party served must file an answer. In this manner, the position of all parties is made known to the court.
             If the defendant fails to appear after having been served with the summons and complaint or fails to file a responsive pleading, the plaintiff may then be able to secure a default judgment, since the defendant is acknowledging liability by not responding. If the plaintiff seeks a specified amount of money damages that can be readily computed (or money due on an unpaid promissory note), a judgment for that amount, plus interest and costs, may be obtained. If the claim is not for a certain sum or cannot be computed, then the court will take proof on the question of damages, which it wi
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