Demi Lovato Sued? Punched Dancer Wants to Get Paid

Show me the money! The words made famous by Cuba Gooding Jr. in "Jerry Maguire" ring true yet again in Hollywood, as Disney darling Demi Lovato may be having to show some money to backup dancer Alex Welch. The rehabbing young diva allegedly punched the dancer just days before checking herself into treatment.

The incident, which happened while Lovato was on tour with The Jonas Brothers, gave Welch a black eye. The dancer is now said to be suffering "lasting emotional damage" in addition to having to consult with a cosmetic surgeon. It is rumored that the scuffle began after Lovato thought Welch was telling tour management about her drinking and other bad-girl behavior.

So will Demi Lovato be sued? More than an apology, the 21-year-old Welch is willing to take her case to court if Lovato does not agree to a settlement. "We have contacted the Lovato camp and we are waiting for a response," The National Ledger quotes Welch's attorney Donald Karpel. "If we do not hear back, we will pursue litigation."

Although Welch certainly has a case for assault and battery, the benefits of settling out of court can often be advantageous for both the plaintiff and the defendant. From a cost standpoint, litigation can be both tedious and time consuming whereas the informal nature of a settlement allows for a quicker, more painless resolution.

For Lovato, a quick settlement may be just what she needs to shift Google searches about her from "Demi Lovato sued" and "Demi Lovato rehab" back to her wholesome Disney image.

Related Resources:

• Demi Lovato Sued: Ready To Make A Deal With Dinged Up Dancer (E! Online)
• Assault and Battery (FindLaw)
• Resolution Before Trial: Settlement (FindLaw)