Why are there “Does” in the case? Ask the lawyer

Q: We have gone over a lawsuit in which we are named. There are “Does” (as in John or Jane Doe) listed in the caption, and we see the word “Does” in the case. What does that mean, or who is that?
-M.H., Anaheim
Ron Sokol
A: The Does are fictitious parties, named (or listed) because that person may belong in the case, may have some responsibility for the harm or the incident, but his or her identity is not presently known. (It could also be a company or some other entity,