Your Injury and
Disability Lawyers
Disability Lawyers
Personal Injury, Disability, and Workers’ Compensation
Civil litigation is a legal dispute between two or more parties that seeks monetary damages or specific performance rather than criminal sanctions. A lawyer who handles civil litigation is known as a “litigator” or “trial lawyer.” These lawyers represent parties in trials, hearings, arbitrations, and mediations before administrative agencies and federal, state, and local courts. At Daggett Shuler, our experienced Civil Litigation attorneys will protect your rights, represent your interests during proceedings, and guide you to the best resolution possible in your individual situation.
Civil litigation cases progress through seven stages: investigation, pleadings, discovery, pre-trial, trial, settlement, and appeal. Not every lawsuit passes through each stage as most cases are settled prior to trial, while many cases that reach a trial verdict are never appealed.
The lifespan of a civil litigation lawsuit can range from months to years. Discovery, the stage of the case where facts are uncovered and the case is built, is the longest and most labor-intensive stage of civil litigation. Contrary to the image portrayed by television, civil litigators spend little time in trial and devote the most time to the discovery stage. The civil litigation attorneys at Daggett Shuler will build your case and will fight to win you the maximum settlement due under the law.
If you or a loved one have been seriously or fatally injured in an accident that was not your fault, let us support you during this difficult time. Contact us at 336-724-1234 today. Our award-winning North Carolina civil litigation lawyers can give you the peace of mind you need—with the legal guidance necessary to seek justice on your behalf.
Filing a civil litigation lawsuit involves several key steps. Here's a general guide to help you understand the process:
Before filing a lawsuit, assess whether you have a valid legal claim. Consider consulting with a lawyer to discuss the merits of your case and explore potential legal options.
Determine which court has jurisdiction over your case. This is typically based on factors such as the location of the parties involved and the nature of the dispute (e.g., small claims court, state court, federal court).
The complaint is a formal document that outlines your legal claims against the defendant(s). It should include: A clear statement of the facts underlying your claim, the legal basis (or causes of action) for your lawsuit, and a request for relief (e.g., monetary damages, injunction).
Submit the complaint to the appropriate court. You will typically need to pay a filing fee, although fee waivers may be available for those who qualify based on financial need.
After filing the complaint, you must formally notify (serve) the defendant(s) of the lawsuit. This ensures that they have notice of the legal action and an opportunity to respond.
Once served, the defendant(s) will have a specified period (usually 20-30 days) to file a response to your complaint. The response may include admitting or denying the allegations and asserting any defenses.
Discovery is the process where both parties gather evidence and information relevant to the case. This may involve requests for documents, written questions (interrogatories), depositions (oral testimony under oath), and other discovery methods.
Either party may file motions asking the court to rule on specific issues, such as dismissing the case, resolving legal issues before trial (summary judgment), or other procedural matters.
Throughout the litigation process, parties may negotiate to resolve the dispute without going to trial. Settlement can occur at any stage of the proceedings.
If the case does not settle, it will proceed to trial. At trial, both sides present evidence, witnesses testify, and the judge or jury decides the outcome based on the facts and applicable law.
After trial, the court will issue a decision determining whether the defendant is liable and, if so, the appropriate remedy (damages awarded). Either party may appeal the judgment if they believe legal errors were made during the trial.
Filing a civil litigation lawsuit can be complex, and the specific procedures may vary depending on jurisdiction and the nature of the case. It's advisable to seek guidance from a qualified attorney who can provide legal advice tailored to your situation and represent your interests effectively throughout the litigation process.
Daggett Shuler Law is here to assist you if you're facing a legal dispute in North Carolina. We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your case, understand your legal needs, and provide personalized advice on your options moving forward.
Our team of experienced civil litigation lawyers at Daggett Shuler Law is prepared to handle a wide range of cases, from complex business disputes to personal injury claims and more. We are committed to advocating for your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
During your free consultation, we'll take the time to listen to your concerns, evaluate the strengths of your case, and outline a strategic approach tailored to your specific circumstances. There's no obligation to hire us after the consultation; it's an opportunity for you to gain valuable legal insight and determine if Daggett Shuler Law is the right fit for your needs.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with Daggett Shuler Law's civil litigation lawyers in North Carolina. We're dedicated to providing the legal guidance and representation you deserve.
Our attorneys have helped clients with legal support through workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability, personal injury, car accident claims, and more. Our clients know that we stand beside them when they are going through a difficult time. Read reviews from real clients, and if you had a positive experience with Daggett Shuler Law, please consider leaving a review.
Contact the attorneys at Daggett Shuler today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can depend on us.
