When confronted with physical or financial harm caused by someone else’s actions, the first step towards justice is often filing a civil lawsuit. While a civil case cannot restore your well-being, it can provide monetary compensation to help you recover from unfortunate incidents. However, navigating the complexities of civil law without a law degree can be daunting, which is why hiring a civil litigation attorney is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome.
What Does a Civil Litigation Lawyer Do?
Civil litigation lawyers play a vital role in helping clients understand their rights and assess the strength of their potential claims. Working alongside you from beginning to end, these lawyers ensure that your case is adequately supported and handle all the necessary paperwork that can quickly accumulate.
However, it’s understandable to be unsure about the types of cases that civil litigation lawyers handle. Let’s take a closer look at a few common scenarios.
1. Contract Disputes
A breach of contract occurs when an individual or entity fails to fulfill their obligations as outlined in a legally binding agreement. These disputes can involve various situations, including conflicts between landlords and tenants, non-delivery of expected shipments, violation or non-completion of business deals, infringement of business arrangements, disputes over land sales, and the sale of defective products.
In such cases, the plaintiff may seek compensation for damages resulting from the breach. For example, if your landlord attempts to unlawfully evict you from your rental property without proper notice, you can sue them for harassment. A skilled civil litigation attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
2. Torts
Personal injury torts are among the most common cases in civil litigation. In these instances, one party claims that another party has caused harm to their person, property, reputation, or similar areas. The injured party, or plaintiff, seeks compensation for damages, which can include costs for repairs and medical expenses.
Most tort claims fall into one of three categories: negligence, intentional wrongdoing, or strict liability. Negligence scenarios involve unintentional or accidental harm caused by the defendant. Intentional wrongdoing refers to situations where the defendant deliberately harmed the plaintiff. Strict liability cases arise when the defendant fails to ensure proper safety despite being legally obligated to do so.
Examples of personal injury torts cover a wide range, including assault and battery, false imprisonment, animal attacks, car or bicycle accidents, invasion of privacy, fraud, emotional distress, medical malpractice, slip and fall accidents, and injuries resulting from defective products. Handling a personal injury tort can be challenging, especially when you are still recovering. A civil litigation attorney can take over your case and manage all the necessary formalities while you focus on your recovery.
3. Class-Action Lawsuits
Class-action lawsuits, also known as representative actions, involve legal proceedings where one or more plaintiffs file a claim on behalf of a larger group (referred to as the “class”). These groups may consist of consumers, employees, investors, or patients who share a common legal claim against one or more defendants.
Class-action claims can involve instances such as businesses exposing consumers to dangerous substances, the distribution of defective goods leading to multiple injuries and deaths, or individuals or businesses defrauding multiple people. While class-action lawsuits resemble personal injury claims, the key distinction lies in the fact that the plaintiff in a class-action case represents a group of people.
Navigating class-action lawsuits is complex and may result in significant compensation payouts. Therefore, it’s essential to work with a skilled civil litigation attorney who specializes in handling class-action claims. They will possess the necessary expertise to approach your case strategically and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
4. Land Disputes
Land disputes arise when conflicts emerge over property ownership or property boundary locations. For instance, you might inherit a piece of land after a family member passes away, only to discover that the land was promised to another person in a will. Alternatively, your neighbor might construct a fence that encroaches on or crosses your property lines.
Under such circumstances, engaging a civil litigation lawyer can help protect your interests and defend your rights in court.
5. Business Disputes
Business disputes encompass various scenarios, including disagreements among owners or shareholders regarding the prospects of a company or one owner feeling excluded from the decision-making process. In some cases, these disputes can escalate into a deadlock, causing the situation to spiral out of control.
Seeking the advice of a civil litigation lawyer to review your business partnership agreement can help them gain a deep understanding of your relationship’s nuances and propose satisfactory solutions.
6. Equitable Claims
Equitable relief refers to court-ordered remedies that require the defendant to either take specific action or refrain from certain behaviors. It typically emerges in cases involving contract breaches or intellectual property theft.
Equitable relief differs from legal claims since it seeks to prompt or prevent action in complex cases that demand more than a straightforward resolution or monetary compensation. For instance, a plaintiff might seek a temporary restraining order or an injunction to prevent the destruction of property, improper land transfers, or customer solicitation.
In summary, civil litigation is intricate and spans numerous subcategories. To navigate this complex landscape successfully, seeking legal counsel from a civil litigation attorney is highly advisable. Now that you are familiar with the different types of cases these attorneys handle, you will have no trouble determining when it’s time to consult a lawyer!
If you or a loved one find yourself involved in a civil lawsuit and in need of legal assistance, the team at Garrity Traina will be happy to help. Our experienced civil litigation attorneys in Utah possess in-depth knowledge of the legal system and are committed to analyzing your case thoroughly. We go the extra mile to fight for our clients’ rights and ensure a fair resolution. Contact us today for more information!