 In contrast, a counter-claim asserts that the party (usually a defendant) is entitled to offset the damages awarded to plaintiff by the proportionate share of any responsibility, liability, or fault assigned to the plaintiff by the jury.Finally, a cross-claim is the same as a counter-claim or contribution claim, except that it is asserted by a defendant against other defendants.Counter-claims and cross claims do not require personal service because no new parties are being added to the lawsuit.