Are you wondering if you need the help of a Houston TX civil litigation lawyer? Perhaps you’re wondering what “civil litigation” even is. Or maybe you’re wondering if your current dispute falls under the category of a civil dispute. Or perhaps you want to know if you have enough for a civil lawsuit.
By definition, civil litigation is the process of filing or answering a complaint through the public court systems. In simpler terms, it’s just the process of a lawsuit.
The process beings when someone (i.e., the plaintiff) files a complaint against someone else (i.e., the defendant). At this point, the defendant can answer the complaint or ask for clarification. Usually, what the plaintiff seeks from filing a complaint isn’t jail time for the defendant. Often, it’s just monetary compensation or action from the defendant in response to an event.
A litigation attorney will help you through the entire process, from before, during, and after the court hearing and trial. Your lawyer will have your best interests in mind and will give you appropriate legal counsel for your situation. If you think you want to sue someone, consult a litigation lawyer first.
What a Houston TX Civil Litigation Lawyer Can Do for You
These lawyers represent clients’ best interests. As stated previously, your civil litigation lawyer will be there with you from before, during, and after the case.
So what does your lawyer do for you during the process of a civil case? When you bring in your situation, they can determine if there’s enough to build a case. If there is, they’ll begin an investigation, digging into the details and locating materials and witnesses relevant to the case. They may also negotiate with the other party to see if they’ll settle before filing a lawsuit.
Once there’s enough to start, and the other party won’t settle, plaintiffs’ attorneys will file a “pleading” to the court. A pleading is a document that states your side of the situation. The defendant will then answer or counterclaim with their own side.
Then comes the most arduous and most prolonged portion of litigation: the discovery. Your and the other party’s lawyer will spend extensive time exchanging all relevant information about your case. They’ll dig up as much information as possible by interrogating, requesting documents from the other party, or examining evidence.
After the discovery period are the pre-trial tasks. Your lawyer will begin wrapping up and preparing for court. If the other party still doesn’t settle, then you’ll go to trial.
Sometimes it’s a jury trial; other times, it isn’t. Even if the trial settles it, you can file an appeal to an appellate court if you disagree with the resolution. However, you must have sufficient evidence to back up your claim that the original solution was wrong in some way.
The Difference Between Criminal and Civil Cases
So that entire description was of a civil case. What is the significant difference between criminal and civil cases, then? They obviously don’t go through the same process.
Most of the cases and trials you see on TV are criminal cases. The point of a criminal case is to judge if the defendant broke the law and committed a crime. The most significant outcome is the defendant earning jail time. However, a civil case’s starting point is different.
Civil cases don’t debate if the defendant committed a crime or not. Often, what happens isn’t even a crime. Most times, it’s simply a dispute over what happened, who owns what, or who needs compensation.
For example, you and your neighbor argue about a tree on your and their property border. There isn’t a clear distinction between your property lines, so it’s ambiguous whose land the tree is on. Your neighbor may complain that your tree’s branches fell and damaged their windows, but you can argue that it’s not your tree. You can bring this up in court and settle the property line matter as well as the tree.
Types of Civil Cases
Now there are as many Houston civil litigation attorneys as there are types of civil cases. Every lawyer has a specific practice area that they specialize in. For example, here at the Okonji Law Office, Mr. John Okonji’s practice area is mainly real estate law. Finding the right lawyer to suit your case is optimal.
There are several common types of cases a Houston TX civil litigation lawyer can help you with. Some types are personal injury cases, breach of contract, property disputes, or employment and labor disputes.
Personal injury lawyers usually deal with cases that want compensation for an injury from the other party. This injury can happen because of the defendant’s negligence or a car accident.
Breaches of contract happen when either party in the agreement violates it. This type can include landlord-tenant disputes or any other types of contracts.
The tree anecdote from earlier is an example of a property dispute. It can also happen with zoning plans are violated or ambiguous.
Employment issues are numerous and can quickly spark a full-on dispute. They include lack of opportunities, unfair discrimination, or other matters in the workplace.
Contacting a Civil Litigation Lawyer
You want the help of a litigation lawyer if you’re thinking about filing a lawsuit or about to be served one. Civil lawyers know the ins and outs of the law and can help you traverse the complexities of a lawsuit. They handle cases with your best interests in mind and can offer legal advice.
If you’re looking for a law firm or an attorney in Houston, contact the Okonji Law Firm today. Certified in two different states and by the U.S. Federal District Court, Mr. John Okonji can help you with your legal problem. If you’re looking for a capable lawyer in Houston, Mr. Okonji is one.
Please schedule an appointment with him by calling his office today. If you’re searching for a reliable Houston TX civil litigation lawyer, Mr. Okonji can help you with your civil litigation.
Houston, Texas Fun Facts:
- There are more than 150 museums in the city.
- There is a 27-and-a-half foot intestine on display at the Museum of Health and Medical Science. Wow… just… wow.
- Houston has an Art Car Museum that showcases cars transformed into works of art, including a gigantic bunny, a bull, and a giant red high heel.
- The country’s largest collection of funeral service artifacts is housed in the National Museum of Funeral History. The museum, just north of Houston, aims to “education the public and preserve the heritage of death care.” …Um, okay.
- For more information, visit Houston’s official site.