From contract disputes to property conflicts, legal disagreements between individuals and businesses are more common than most people think. When these disputes cannot be settled on their own, a McKinney civil litigation attorney can help people through the legal process known as civil litigation. Civil litigation differs from criminal law and operates under its own set of rules and procedures. Here’s what you need to know about the process.
How Does Civil Litigation Work?
Civil litigation is the legal process used to resolve disputes between private parties. Many of these disputes involve contractual obligations, property issues, financial losses or personal injury claims. Unlike criminal cases, civil litigation does not carry the possibility of prosecution or jail time. Rather, it focuses on resolving the dispute and awarding financial compensation or other court-ordered action.
Common Types of Civil Litigation Cases
Civil litigation covers a wide range of legal disputes across many areas of law. The most common types include contract disputes between individuals and businesses, claims of money owed or outstanding past-due balances, and defending against lawsuits filed against individuals or businesses. Other examples include business litigation between partners, shareholders or competing organizations, and property disputes over real estate conflicts.
Litigation may also be necessary for wrongful death claims, personal injury claims, insurance claim issues, employment disputes and construction disagreements. When you choose a litigation attorney for your case, experience in the specific area of law is important.
What Is the Civil Litigation Process?
Civil litigation typically begins when the plaintiff files a claim or petition with the court. After being served, the defendant has a set time to respond to the allegations. During discovery, both sides exchange information and evidence through document requests, written questions and depositions under oath. If the dispute is not resolved, the case may proceed to trial before a judge or jury.
Alternatives to Civil Litigation
Many civil cases are resolved before they ever go to trial. Parties may decide to negotiate a settlement on their own, or use other methods to resolve the dispute outside of court. One such example is mediation, which involves a neutral third party helping both sides reach an agreement. Arbitration is generally more formal, and involves an arbitrator reviewing the dispute before reaching a decision.
How to Know When You Need a Civil Litigation Attorney
A civil litigation attorney is most beneficial for parties who have been served with a lawsuit and could face substantial financial losses. When negotiations have broken down or contractual obligations are contested, a North Texas litigation attorney can also advise on the best course of action. Your attorney can evaluate a claim, gather evidence, prepare legal filings, negotiate a settlement, and represent you in court if the case proceeds to trial.
Speak With a Civil Litigation Attorney in McKinney, TX
Lucé Law, PC represents individuals and businesses in civil litigation cases throughout North Texas. We support clients as both claimants/plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving business and collection matters, insurance disputes, wrongful death, personal injury, cases in which an individual or family has been sued or cases in which litigation is threatened. Call (972) 632-1300 or request a free legal consultation.
