Should You Hire a Civil Litigation Attorney? Guide

You’ve suffered physical or financial losses due to someone else’s actions. A civil lawsuit won’t restore your health. But it can entitle you to monetary damages.

Civil lawsuits include personal injury claims, contract disputes, and product defect claims. The plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions caused harm and led to losses.

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Civil claims differ from criminal cases. The defendant won’t go to jail. A successful plaintiff will receive monetary damages.

How Much Does a Civil Litigation Attorney Cost?

Many people assume hiring a lawyer is prohibitively expensive. You might think you need to pay exorbitant upfront costs.

Most civil litigation attorneys don’t bill by the hour. They offer contingency agreements instead. You only pay if they win a settlement or court verdict.

Your payment is a percentage of the award. The percentage varies depending on the lawyer’s expertise and case complexity.

How Does a Civil Litigation Attorney Help Your Case?

A civil litigation attorney evaluates your claim. They determine which laws apply. They assemble evidence to support your case against the defendant.

Civil litigation attorneys help you understand your rights. They assess the strength of your potential claims. Without an attorney, figuring out fault and alternatives can be challenging.

Your attorney handles your case from start to finish. They ensure your case has proper support. They may work with law enforcement officials and industry experts. They gather relevant documentation and evidence.

Your attorney handles all paperwork concerned with your claim. Civil litigation involves excessive documentation.

Your civil litigation attorney can negotiate on your behalf. They work with the defendant or the defendant’s insurance agency. Many civil cases resolve through settlement before the court date.

Your attorney knows how much your case is worth. They’ll advise you if a defendant’s settlement isn’t fair. They’ll push for a better offer or challenge them in the courtroom.

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Civil Case?

Hiring a lawyer helps you navigate civil lawsuits. Civil litigation is complex. A professional attorney lends your case the attention and professionalism required.

Can You Handle a Civil Litigation Claim on Your Own?

You can handle civil litigation yourself in specific situations. Pursuing a small amount in small claims court may not require an attorney.

If an adverse outcome won’t severely harm you, hiring an attorney may not be worth it. For claims under $500, you’d likely owe the lawyer more than your potential loss.

Example: Tommy is being sued by a debt collector for $790 on an old credit card. He searches online for an attorney. Most charge more than the debt he allegedly owes. Many don’t take cases with such small monetary amounts. Tommy decides to represent himself in court using our partner Solo. He fills out an Answer form. An attorney reviews the document. The service files it for him. Weeks later, the debt collector drops the case.

How Long Does Civil Litigation Take?

Most civil litigation cases resolve through settlement. Personal injury claims often settle before trial.

If you’re bringing a claim against a defendant with insurance, the insurer will likely seek settlement. They know strong cases have a high chance of winning at trial. They want to avoid the additional expense of court preparation.

Settlement cases may take less than a year to recover damages.

Defendants unwilling to offer settlement force the case to court. They typically refuse if they believe they have a winning strategy. They also refuse when they don’t want to offer large payouts. Court cases may take several years to resolve.

An experienced attorney can advise you on settlement likelihood.

Should You Hire an Attorney for Your Debt Collection Case?

If you’re being sued for debt, hiring an attorney isn’t always necessary. Here’s why.

When you get sued for debt, you’re probably not in a financial position to hire an attorney. Hiring a lawyer can cost more than the debt in question. Finding the right kind of attorney takes time. You must respond before your state’s deadline to avoid losing by default.

Our partner Solo empowers people to represent themselves in court and beat debt collectors. You save money, time, and stress. The service provides customized legal documents to help you respond to debt lawsuits.

How to Respond to Your Debt Collection Lawsuit

You can respond to your debt collection lawsuit without hiring a lawyer. Follow these steps:

Respond to each claim listed against you
Assert your affirmative defenses
File your Answer in court and serve the opposing attorney

When You Need a Civil Attorney

Sources like Solo empower you to represent yourself in civil cases. Certain cases still benefit from hiring a civil attorney. If you need a civil attorney, search for one in your area.

What Kind of Lawyer Do You Need for a Civil Suit?

The lawyer you need depends on the nature of your case. Civil law covers a broad range of legal issues. Choose an attorney who specializes in your specific area.

Personal Injury Lawyer: For injuries from accidents, negligence, or malpractice (car accidents, slip and fall, medical malpractice)
Employment Lawyer: For workplace discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or wage disputes
Family Lawyer: For divorce, child custody, alimony, adoption, or family matters
Real Estate Lawyer: For property disputes, landlord-tenant issues, or real estate transactions
Business/Corporate Lawyer: For business disputes, breach of contract, partnership disputes, or intellectual property
Consumer Rights Lawyer: For product liability or consumer fraud cases
Civil Rights Lawyer: For discrimination or civil rights violations
Environmental Lawyer: For environmental regulations and disputes
Estate Planning Lawyer: For wills, trusts, and estate planning
Contract Lawyer: For contract interpretation and enforcement disputes

Consider their experience, expertise, and track record. Consult with a general practice attorney for guidance. A lawyer well-versed in your specific area offers the most effective representation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a civil litigation attorney?

A civil litigation attorney represents clients in non-criminal lawsuits. They handle personal injury claims, contract disputes, product defect claims, and debt collection cases. These attorneys evaluate claims, gather evidence, negotiate settlements, and represent clients in court.

How much does a civil litigation attorney cost?

Most civil litigation attorneys work on contingency agreements. You only pay if they win a settlement or verdict for you. The payment is a percentage of the award, typically ranging from 25% to 40%. For small claims under $500, hiring an attorney may cost more than the debt itself.

Can I represent myself in a civil lawsuit?

You can represent yourself in a civil lawsuit, especially for small debt collection cases. If you're being sued for less than $500, representing yourself saves money. You must respond to the lawsuit before your state's deadline, assert your defenses, and file your Answer in court.

How long does a civil litigation case take?

Civil litigation cases that settle typically resolve in less than a year. If the defendant refuses to settle and the case goes to court, it may take several years to resolve. Most personal injury and debt collection cases settle before trial.

What type of lawyer do I need for a debt collection lawsuit?

For debt collection lawsuits, you need a consumer rights attorney or debt defense lawyer. However, for small debts under $1,000, you can represent yourself using online services. You'll save money and still have a strong chance of winning your case.

Should You Hire a Civil Litigation Attorney for Your Case?