Law has several branches: It would help to work with an experienced lawyer in a specific field whenever needing legal expertise. Civil litigation is different from criminal cases. There are no criminal charges with the former, but it involves a plaintiff seeking compensation for damages from the defendant. This read will teach us about civil litigation and offer insights on finding the best legal representative.
An Overview of Civil Cases
Civil cases are legal disputes where one party is suing another, intending to get compensation. The offenses are not criminal, and the plaintiff seeks monetary settlement, or the defendant performs a particular action depending on the issue. Some common civil cases are personal injury, worker compensation claims, real estate disputes, medical malpractice, construction liability, and product liability.
Brice Zoecklein is an experienced attorney with real estate and civil litigation. With experience handling different cases, you can trust the legal practitioner to represent your interests. You need a qualified attorney to provide legal advice and handle the matter on your behalf.
Civil cases do not always go to trial; lawyers can settle the matter out of court. Here are the stages in the litigation process;
Pleading
The process starts with the plaintiff filing a complaint with the court and serving the defendant with papers. A complainant presents their case to the court, and the defendant gets time to respond.
Discovery
In the information-gathering stage, lawyers from all parties assess the claims and defenses. The stage takes the most time in the litigation process because of examining the case document and witnesses. Civil litigation attorneys can seek the court to make a ruling before the case goes to trial.
Trial and Case Determination
All parties must provide a case brief to the court before the trial commences. The complainant and defense team argue their case by presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and lawyers making their statements. In some issues, a judge can decide, but in others, the jury will give the verdict.
Post-Trial
The law allows discontented people to challenge a civil case outcome. A lawyer can seek the judge to overturn the jury’s judgment or seek a new case trial. The winning party can file a motion to have the loser cover their litigation costs.
Choosing a Civil Litigation Attorney
A civil litigation attorney plays a significant role in the success of a civil case. Here are some factors to help you choose;
- Qualifications: you can determine if an attorney qualifies for the job by examining their educational background. They should have a law degree, specializing in civil litigation, and be members of a professional association.
- Experience: Select a lawyer with experience handling cases similar to yours. Besides their practice years, check their portfolio and success rate. An experienced lawyer will charge more than those starting.
- Fees and costs: lawyers charge differently, and it is best to work with one who sets on a contingency basis. You will pay a percentage of the settlement after winning the case. It is vital to discuss the details before hiring a civil litigation lawyer.
