Do You Need to Hire a Civil Attorney?

Civil Attorney

Unfortunately, you may suffer physical or financial harm during your daily interactions. You may have some success in private negotiations with individuals or businesses. However, consulting a civil law attorney is more likely to lead to a favorable outcome.

A civil attorney can assist you in building a compelling case that improves your chances of obtaining compensation. Typically, they focus on particular areas within civil law. For instance, the firm may have more experience with medical malpractice, environmental law, intellectual property, family law, or personal injury.

What Do Civil Attorneys Do?

Civil attorneys play a critical role in legal disputes that don’t involve criminal charges. They provide representation in various situations, from contractual disputes to personal injury cases.

These legal professionals do not only represent clients in court. They also gather evidence and negotiate settlements, whether you file the suit or have one brought against you. Other legal tasks for a civil lawyer include the following:

  • Performing legal research for legal precedents
  • Finding and hiring expert witnesses
  • Filing court documents and pre-trial motions for a lawsuit
  • Conducting investigations for the discovery process in a civil lawsuit
  • Making opening and closing statements for a trial
  • Raising objections and cross-examining witnesses

What Is a Civil Lawsuit?

A civil lawsuit is a legal dispute where one party claims to have suffered a loss or injury due to the actions or inactions of another party. Consequently, the aggrieved party seeks restitution through monetary compensation.

Unlike criminal cases, civil lawsuits typically involve private individuals or entities. Also, the outcome is not punitive but compensatory. As a result, the scope of civil lawsuits is broad and includes (but is not limited to) these issues:

A civil lawsuit generally involves filing a complaint, discovery, negotiations, and possibly a trial. Additionally, it’s important to note the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff. Their attorney must prove their case by a “preponderance of the evidence.” This legal standard is a lower bar to clear than the “beyond reasonable doubt” standard in criminal cases.

When Should You Work With a Civil Attorney?

Deciding when to work with a civil attorney can be a complex and nerve-wracking experience. But there are several scenarios in which their expertise can be invaluable:

  • The legal issues involved in your case are complicated to understand.
  • There are high stakes, such as a significant amount of money or your constitutional rights.
  • You do not have time for research, paperwork, and court appearances.
  • You find it challenging to understand or interpret legal documents.
  • The other party has hired a lawyer.
  • You would prefer to negotiate a settlement.
  • You are emotionally involved and need objective advice.

What Should You Expect When Working With a Civil Attorney?

There are many expectations you should have when you hire a civil attorney. But most importantly, you should expect a professional partnership that prioritizes your best interests.

Initially, your attorney will spend time understanding the specifics of your case. They’ll ask detailed questions about your situation to gather all the necessary information. Then, they’ll explain the legal aspects of your case, the potential outcomes, and the best strategies.

As your case progresses, a civil attorney acts as your advocate. They’ll submit legal documents, negotiate, and present your case in court if necessary.

A hallmark of an excellent civil attorney is open and regular communication. Accordingly, you should expect periodic updates regarding the progress of your case.

Even though the attorney handles the legal work, they work for you. You should always feel comfortable asking questions and discussing your concerns.

How Much Do Civil Attorneys Cost?

One of the primary considerations when hiring a legal representative is the cost. Different attorneys have distinct payment structures, including contingency fees or hourly rates.

In the contingency fee arrangement, there are no upfront costs. Moreover, the attorney only receives a percentage of the settlement or award if the case succeeds. This option is more common when the attorney believes there is a strong likelihood of a favorable outcome.

On the other hand, some attorneys charge based on the amount of time they spend on your case. These hourly rates can differ based on factors like geographical location. Therefore, it’s vital to inquire about these before finalizing any agreements.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer

Work with a reputable and well-experienced civil attorney if you have a legal dispute. You deserve to protect your rights and build a solid case.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to talk to a local attorney!

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations. Contact Aaron at [email protected] for article suggestions, collaborations, or inquiries.

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