Civil litigation refers to lawsuits that individuals or businesses file against other parties for issues related to monetary compensation, dispute resolution, and contractual obligations. Often, these disputes are settled out of court, making the process less costly and time-consuming. The most important factors of civil litigation include protecting your financial and legal rights. Our experienced Greenville civil litigation attorney is well-prepared to help you with that.
Common Types of Civil Litigation Cases
While every civil litigation case is specific to the unique situation at hand, most fall into basic categories like the following:
- Disputes over contracts
- Disputes involving damage to property
- Disputes between landlords and tenants
- Disputes related to civil harassment, such as stalking by someone who isn’t a relative
Personal injury and divorce – along with other family law cases – are also under the civil litigation umbrella.
Understanding Case Basics
Civil litigation refers to a lawsuit that is not criminal. The person who files the lawsuit is the plaintiff, and the person named in the lawsuit is the defendant. Typically, the plaintiff claims that they’ve been wronged in some way by the defendant and they’ve suffered legal damages. The plaintiff generally seeks monetary compensation for their related losses.
When the two involved parties can’t negotiate terms between themselves, the skilled legal guidance of their attorneys is needed. With their help, the case can proceed to court where the jury, or the judge alone in some cases, will hear the case and make the final determinations.
What Steps Are Involved in Civil Cases?
Your civil litigation case will follow its path forward, but the primary steps include the following:
- The most important action you can take is consulting with a practiced civil litigation attorney early in the legal process.
- To begin, you will file your official complaint with the court and have the defendant served, which initiates the civil litigation process.
- Next comes the discovery phase, when both sides build their cases through the collection of evidence, documentation, written discovery, and depositions. Each party to the case is required to share specific information with the other. This discovery step is the focus of the case and sometimes results in a settlement. Mediation, however, is also a possibility.
- If the case remains unresolved, it will proceed to trial.
- Finally, either side can appeal the verdict. Then, the appellate court reviews the case for any legal errors by the trial court. If errors are identified, the appellate court can respond by reversing the verdict or ordering a new trial.
Turn to an Experienced Greenville Civil Litigation Attorney for the Help You Need
The accomplished Greenville civil litigation attorneys at Ryan Beasley Law are well-versed in the legal intricacies of civil litigation law, and we employ the full force of our experience and legal skill for every client we ably represent. We’re here for you, too, so please don’t delay contacting us online or calling 864-679-7777 today.
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