Civil litigation refers to the legal process used to resolve non-criminal disputes. It typically begins when an individual, business entity, or government body files a lawsuit seeking a court order for compensation of damages, the enforcement of a contract, or another legal remedy. Civil litigation encompasses the process of filing and pursuing a lawsuit to resolve non-criminal disputes, aiming to provide resolutions in cases involving family law, contract breaches, property disputes, and personal injury claims.
Litigators, or legal professionals specializing in civil litigation, represent clients in trials, hearings, and alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration and mediation. These proceedings may occur before administrative agencies, foreign tribunals, or various court systems at the federal, state, or local level.
HOW DOES CIVIL LITIGATION DIFFER FROM COMMERCIAL LITIGATION?
While commercial litigation falls under the umbrella of civil litigation, it specifically pertains to disputes involving business entities or interests.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON TYPES OF CIVIL LITIGATION?
Civil litigation covers a wide range of disputes, including but not limited to:
•Antitrust litigation – Lawsuits challenging a business’s monopoly or anti-competitive practices
•Breach of contract – Legal action taken when a party fails to uphold terms agreed upon in a contract
•Divorce and family law – Cases involving the dissolution of marriage, child custody, property settlements, and related issues
•Employment and labor disputes – Legal disputes between employers and employees, such as wrongful termination or wage disputes
•Intellectual property disputes – Cases involving copyright infringement or other IP-related issues
•Investment fraud – Also known as securities litigation, involving claims of misleading or fraudulent investment practices
•Landlord/tenant disputes – Issues like evictions or violations of lease agreements
•Medical malpractice – Claims against healthcare professionals or institutions for negligent care
•Personal injury/torts – Cases involving injuries from auto accidents, slip and falls, or other incidents
•Property disputes – Disagreements over property boundaries or ownership claims
•Real estate disputes – Conflicts between buyers and sellers in real estate transactions
•Workers’ compensation claims – Disputes over compensation for injuries sustained in the workplace
WHAT ARE THE COMMON STEPS IN A CIVIL LAWSUIT?
Clients often ask, “What happens after filing a lawsuit?”
In simple terms, the process involves preparing the case for trial. This preparation includes discovery (gathering and sharing evidence), taking depositions, and filing motions. If the parties do not settle the case, it proceeds to trial before a judge or jury, followed by the possibility of an appeal.
However, the litigation process can be unpredictable. Solid cases may weaken over time, while seemingly weak ones may become stronger. At Trive Legal Service, our extensive experience allows us to provide honest and informed guidance to our clients. We are committed to transparency and reliability, always delivering on our promises without exaggeration.