Limited Civil Litigation
Civil litigation describes a dispute between two parties that is not based on criminal penalties. Limited Civil Litigation means the amount in dispute is $25,000 or less. Normally, civil litigation cases have one party (the plaintiff) that is seeking money or some other kind of remedy (damages) from another party, whom we call the defendant. The nature of these cases is extremely broad and differs from client to client.
Types of limited civil cases i handle
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Breach of Contract – These cases involve accusations of failing to provide goods, money, services, or actions in relation to a legally binding contract.
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Contract Litigation – Any disagreement or formal dispute of a contract can be resolved via contract litigation, which can involve a breach of fiduciary duty claims, breach of confidentiality claims, or partnership disputes.
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Personal Injury – Personal injury actions are initiated by a party after they or a loved one has been harmed by the negligent or wrongful acts of another. For example, a plaintiff could be an individual harmed in a car accident filing a claim against a trucking company for fault in the incident.
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Real Estate Litigation – Real estate is one of the more complex areas of law. With multiple parties involved, such as escrow agents, loan officers, buyers, sellers, and brokers, it can be common for things to go wrong.
Civil Litigation Terms Explained
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Tort – Either an act of wrongdoing or an infringement on someone’s rights that initiates a civil action
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Damages – Money sought or awarded as compensation for some type of loss or injury
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Litigator – Another word for a “trial lawyer” who handles civil litigation cases
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Appeal – If a party in civil litigation is not satisfied by the court’s ruling and would like to petition for a higher court to review, this is called an “appeal” and the person making the request is called the “appellant.”
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Brief – The written statement that both litigators submit during trial proceedings in explanation of their side/argument.
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Complaint – The statement that initiates a civil lawsuit.
Do Civil Cases Always Go to Court?
Civil cases do not have to be resolved in court. They can be settled outside of court or handled by way of mediation or alternative dispute resolution (ADR). If the case goes to court, the issues will be decided by a judge, or a jury if you requested one. If the case is settled outside of court, both parties have slightly more control over how the issues are decided.
Do you have a civil litigation matter?
After reading this, have you come to realize that you need a limited civil litigation attorney? Contact me at the Setterquist Law Firm. I can help you navigate your unique legal issues. Call me today at (831) 256-9141 for a free consultation.