Civil Litigation
at Wilson, Reives & Doran
Are you involved in a dispute over an injury or financial loss?
If so, the civil litigation lawyers at Wilson, Reives & Doran are ready to help.
Whether you decide to file a lawsuit or go through arbitration, our lawyers have the skills needed to protect your rights and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Civil cases are different from criminal cases because they usually involve two private parties. One party (the plaintiff) files a lawsuit against another party (the defendant) to recover money. If the dispute involves an injury, the plaintiff might try to recover money for medical bills, pain and suffering, or lost wages.
How can you resolve a civil dispute with the legal system?
You have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the person responsible for your injury or financial loss. When you file a lawsuit, you go to court to try to hold the other person liable for his or her actions.
How can a civil litigation lawyer help with your dispute?
Experienced civil litigation lawyers know the best way to approach each type of dispute. They also know how to operate within the rules of the local court system. If you try to represent yourself, just one mistake can result in having your case thrown out of court.
A skilled civil litigation lawyer makes the entire process easier by completing all required paperwork, interviewing potential witnesses, investigating your dispute, and explaining what to expect if your case goes to trial. Your civil litigation lawyer can also help you negotiate a settlement before the dispute ever reaches a courtroom, saving everyone time.
What to expect during your first meeting with a civil litigation lawyer
During your first meeting, a civil litigation lawyer will ask questions about your dispute and review any documents that support your claim. It’s important to be honest during your initial consultation. Also, know that it’s better to provide all of the information during your first meeting than to have questions come up later when you least expect them.
An experienced civil litigation lawyer can also help you decide whether filing a lawsuit is the best course of action. It may not be. If your lawyer believes there are better alternatives available, such as participating in mediation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss each alternative and decide which one is right for you.
How much does it cost to hire a civil litigation lawyer?
At Wilson, Reives & Doran, your first consultation with a civil litigation lawyer will include a review of your case, a discussion of your costs and options, and help you decide if you should take your case to court. Whether you were injured in a car accident or need help with a business partnership gone wrong, we have the experience and knowledge to assist you in how you move forward.
If you need help recovering money for an injury or seeking reimbursement for a financial loss, contact us today.
Arbitration
If you don’t want to file a lawsuit, there are other options available. Arbitration is when both parties involved in a dispute have the opportunity to explain the problem to an unbiased arbitrator. The arbitrator uses these stories, along with documents, photographs, and other evidence, to resolve the dispute. Learn more.
Mediation
Mediation is when two parties negotiate until they come to a fair resolution. Participating in mediation allows you to have a say in how your dispute is resolved.
Civil courts handle some of the following types of disputes:
- Eviction proceedings and other landlord/tenant matters
- Divorces, adoption proceedings, and custody cases
- Disagreements over property boundaries
- Breach-of-contract cases
- Personal injury cases
The amount of damages you are seeking will determine whether your case will be heard in District Court or Superior Court. Appearances in Superior Court are usually reserved for cases where the plaintiff is seeking more than $10,000 in damages. Learn more.