what is wrongful death

What Is Wrongful Death?

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The wrongful death definition is when someone dies at the fault of another person or entity. It can be accidental or due to the negligence or misconduct of the other party and is not considered criminal. In fact, wrongful death lawsuits play out in civil court, most often after a criminal trial for the same incident.

If you’ve recently lost a loved one and are considering a wrongful death case, here are the basic things you need to know about the process, including who can sue, who can be sued, and what you can expect to recover.

What Is Wrongful Death and Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Wrongful death is when someone dies at the fault of another person or entity – but is not necessarily criminal. Here are some examples of circumstances where wrongful death might apply:

  • Car accidents. When you can prove that the death of a loved one was the result of someone else’s negligence when driving, it establishes liability and is a strong case for a wrongful death suit. These cases may result from texting while driving, speeding, and drunk or impaired driving.
  • Defective products. Most consumer products fall under heavy regulation to make sure that manufacturers only sell products that are safe to consumers. If a manufacturer makes and sells unsafe products, there could be significant consequences if a death occurs as a result. Contaminated food, unsafe children’s products, or defective vehicles are some common causes of wrongful death.
  • Medical malpractice. If a doctor, nurse, or member of the medical staff neglects to perform essential duties or doesn’t follow protocol and the patient dies. This falls under the definition of wrongful death. In this instance, it can result from delayed treatment, medication errors, or performing a procedure without consent.
  • Truck accidents. Truck accidents are often a lot worse than car accidents because they’re so much bigger and heavier. A lot of state regulations exist for commercial semis and other vehicles requiring high insurance policy limits. If fault can be established in these cases, you may be able to recover a lot in wrongful death damages. Distracted and impaired driving often plays a part in these accidents. Additionally, driver exhaustion often plays a role because truckers spend long hours on the road making deliveries over long distances.
  • Swimming pools and other water-related accidents. If pools and water parks aren’t properly maintained or if lifeguard staffing isn’t adequate and death occurs, the facility can be held responsible.

How Can a Wrongful Death Claim Be Proven?

Successful wrongful death cases have to include the following:

  • The death of a human being
  • Proof that the death occurred because of another person’s negligence, with or without intent
  • Family members who are suffering financially as a direct result of the person’s death

If all three of these apply, you likely have a chance at a successful wrongful death suit. Consider contacting a wrongful death lawyer to recover damages to avoid financial hardship.

If you’re filing a wrongful death lawsuit, it’s important to get a lawyer who specializes in this type of law. These cases typically take a lot of time. Your lawyer should have as much experience as possible to make sure the case progresses as smoothly as possible and you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

While nothing replaces a loved one, there are very practical reasons why a wrongful death suit may be warranted. You will most likely need financial compensation to help cover the costs relating to medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses. All of these things pile on top of the pain and suffering that comes with losing a loved one.

What Does a Wrongful Death Attorney Do?

The first thing a wrongful death lawyer does is research any available facts in detail. This includes speaking with on-scene witnesses, consulting expert witnesses, and examining any applicable insurance policies of the person at fault.

After laying out the groundwork of the case, your lawyer is likely to review case law. Laws are laws, but it is often the precedent of how judges have interpreted that law in the past that apply to your case. This helps your lawyer form the argument for your case and come up with a solid strategy to win based upon precedent.

If it’s clear from the evidence that a wrongful death did occur, your lawyer will attempt to negotiate a settlement. This could be with the accused’s insurance company or directly with their attorney. Large businesses with the financial means to fight a lengthy lawsuit may choose not to settle, but if the case evaluation for liability is clear, a settlement this early in the process is possible.

If the defendant doesn’t settle, then the case moves forward. At this point, your lawyer files an official complaint with the court and presents it to the defendant. The defendant can file a motion to dismiss or appeal or they can request a stay which essentially means putting the case on hold. This is also when discovery begins, and both sides get access to all relative evidence.

If the evidence and case you lawyer built is strong, the case continues until it’s time to go to trial. This is another critical point that the defendant may offer to settle if it looks like there’s enough evidence to persuade the jury to rule in your favor.

If they don’t settle at this point, then the case goes to trial. At trial, the defendant may try to have certain pieces of evidence excluded or attempt to have the case dismissed.

Get What You Deserve

Hiring the right attorney is essential to getting the wrongful death settlement you deserve. While the process can be long, if you know that another party was to blame and have the evidence to back it up, there’s a good chance your lawyer will be able to win the case or negotiate a settlement.

If you’ve already been through a criminal case and the defendant was found guilty, it can help your civil case.

On the other hand, if the defendant was cleared from criminal charges, it’s still worth consulting an attorney because they still may be to blame for the wrongful death.

It’s important to remember that a wrongful death case is not a criminal trial and, therefore, the burden of proof isn’t quite as high. Just because the defendant was found innocent in criminal court does not mean that a civil trial will go the same way. In fact, it often doesn’t.

should i hire a lawyer for a minor car accident

Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?

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We often get asked if hiring a lawyer is necessary for minor car accidents. Does a small fender bender require you to hire an attorney? It’s a loaded question because every accident is different.

Nobody wants to end up in a car accident, but as the word accident implies, these things just happen. Some are from negligence while others couldn’t have been avoided.

To help you decide whether you should hire a lawyer for your minor car accident, we’re going to cover different areas of this type of personal injury law so you can decide what the best decision for you might be.

What To Do if There’s a Minor Car Accident

Regardless of who’s at fault, there are certain steps you need to take if you’re involved in a car accident. We’ll go over these steps so you’re prepared if you end up in a minor accident.

Step #1 Get Out of the Way of Any Traffic

Even when the smallest of auto accidents occur, you should never leave the scene of the accident without exchanging information with the other driver.

Step #2 Make Sure No One Needs Medical Attention

Once you’re out of the way of other vehicles, you need to check that no one in your car needs emergency medical attention. Since this is just a minor accident, more than likely, you and your passengers should be fine.

Check to make sure no one in the other vehicle needs medical attention either.

If anyone is severely injured, dial 911.

Step #3 Make a Police Report

One of you will need to notify the police of the accident to make an official report. Some police officers will take the report over the phone for minor accidents while others may want to come out to the scene.

Never admit even the smallest bit of fault for the car accident. This can be held against you later.

Step #4 Exchange Information

You need to exchange information with the other driver. This information will include their name, a phone number to contact them, and car insurance information including their policy number.

If possible, it helps to take photos of both cars to show any damage that occurred from the accident.

Call the car insurance company as soon as possible to file an insurance claim.

Step #5 Speak to a Lawyer

You need to evaluate the accident to decide if you should hire a lawyer. If you think you might need someone on your side, you’re going to want to speak to a lawyer right away.

The minute you or the other party report the accident, insurance companies are going to try to protect themselves so they can pay you as little as possible, if anything at all.

Keep in mind; there is a statute of limitations for car accidents that resulted in injuries. Each state has its own laws regarding how long the statute of limitations is.

Some states only give you a year to file a lawsuit while others give you up to six years.

Common Car Accident Injuries

If you’ve been injured, even if it’s as a result of a minor car accident, you need to make a doctor’s appointment right away. If the injury is going to be ongoing, you’re going to need to hire a lawyer.

A small bump on your head can turn fatal if not checked out. A strained back could leave you with chronic pain for the rest of your life.

The most common car accident injuries include:

  • Brain injuries like concussions or brain damage
  • Head injuries like deep bruising or lacerations
  • Chest injuries like contusions or broken ribs
  • Arm and leg injuries like broken bones or lacerations
  • Muscle and tendon injuries like whiplash and strained neck muscles

What Happens If There’s a Fatal Car Accident

Unfortunately, some car accidents can end in serious injury and even worse, death. It’s important to understand what happens next when an accident ends fatally for someone you love.

You may have a case for a wrongful death lawsuit against the other driver if you believe or know they were at fault for the accident. If you can prove that if they hadn’t been negligent, there wouldn’t have been a death.

If the police suspect that the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, there will be criminal charges placed against them.

Fatal accidents are traumatic, and you’re going to need time to grieve. There are also many costs associated with the loss of someone’s life, which is why monetary compensation for your loss is so important.

Tip #1 Gather Evidence

Before the mess is cleaned up, you’ll want to head to the scene to gather evidence so you can piece together what happened.

Taking photos of the positioning of both vehicles and the damage will help you later on down the road. Get copies of your loved one’s medical records from the ER to prove that the accident was the cause of their death.

Tip #2 Hire a Lawyer

You’re going to want to hire a car accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

You want to be quick, but you don’t want to hire just any lawyer. Make sure your lawyer has experience in this type of law and that they have a good track record with wrongful death lawsuits.

For wrongful death lawsuits, the statute of limitations varies from state to state. For most states, you have two years before your time to file a wrongful death lawsuit is up.

What Your Lawyer Means About Contingency Fees

Once you’ve discussed your case with a lawyer, they’re going to bring up their contingency fee.

To put it simply, a contingency fee is what you pay your lawyer if you win your case and you receive your deserved compensation. Most personal injury lawyers go by a contingency fee plan for their clients.

If you lose your case, you aren’t out an enormous amount of money just to go to court. This is why lawyers are adamant about knowing every detail of your case before accepting it. They need to know there’s a big chance of winning your case.

Most personal injury lawyer contingency fees are a third of the amount of money you receive. But it can vary from lawyer to lawyer.

Conclusion

Even minor car accidents can be frightening. That’s why it’s important to know if you’re going to need a lawyer. As a rule of thumb, if you’ve been hurt, you’re going to want a lawyer on your side to fight for you.

How to Get Scholarships for Law School

How to Get Scholarships for Law School

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If you’re thinking about going to law school but are worried about the cost, you’re not alone. Figuring out how to pay for law school isn’t easy. Although a law degree is certainly a good investment for your future, the financial roadblocks you face today may seem insurmountable. Don’t get discouraged; there is some good news! There are plenty of law school scholarships available. You just need to know where to look.

How Much Is Law School?

The true cost of law school varies from one institution to another but, in general, you can expect to pay upwards of $150,000 for tuition plus additional costs for books, fees, and the regular cost of living fees like housing and food.

When you consider that a lot of schools also have a work restriction that prevents you from working more than 20 hours a week, it can be difficult to figure out how you’ll get by much less pay for tuition and books.

If you’re willing to put in the time, there are a lot of scholarships available for law students. The best place to start looking is at your school’s financial aid office.

What Type of Scholarships Are Available?

You’ve scoped out the best law school rankings and are thinking of applying to your dream school. Now, how are you going to pay for it if you get accepted? If you’re wondering how to get scholarships for law school, there are a few different methods available.

Merit Scholarships

A lot of law schools offer scholarships based on merit and are based on your previous GPA and LSAT score. These are awarded based on academic achievement and do not take your financial need into account. You may even be eligible for merit scholarships if you’re transferring from another law school based on your performance. How do you apply for scholarships based on merit? It’s usually done for you automatically when you submit your initial application.

One thing to remember about merit scholarships is there is only a limited number available, so it’s important to get your application in as soon as possible. Most law schools have a deadline for applications to be considered for scholarships.

Merit scholarships often cover half or full tuition and anyone who is chosen to receive one is very lucky. That said, It’s important to keep in mind that only a limited amount are offered. You should always try for a merit-based scholarship, especially if you have the grades and academic achievements to back it up but the competition is fierce, and the odds are not in your favor.

Endowed Scholarships

Another option is endowed scholarships that are available for students who meet certain criteria. Each is provided by a specific donor who sets up the qualifications. These scholarships can be specified for students in their first, second, or third year, those who belong to certain clubs or organizations on campus, or even those interested in pursuing a specific area of the law.

One of the great things about endowed scholarships is they’re both merit and need-based. In addition to your academic performance and meeting all of the designated criteria, financial need is also considered.

Most law schools can provide you with applications for additional awards. Some use one application to apply for everything available while others require specific applications for each one. While these scholarships are easy to apply for, only a limited number are awarded.

External and Local Scholarships

There are also plenty of resources outside of the school itself where you can find scholarships for graduate students hoping to enter law school. Sometimes, the law school itself will provide information as to where to access these scholarships although they are completely external and not related to the law school in any way.

These scholarships are available for some of the best law schools and are often funded by law firms or companies in a specific community. Sometimes, outside scholarships have a lot of qualifications. It’s worth looking around to see if any apply to you.

Your hometown may also have scholarship funds available for current or former residents. These scholarships are usually funded by rotary clubs, veteran’s clubs, or even small town governments. In addition to your GPA and academic performance, a lot of these applications also require an essay explaining your relationship andinvolvement in the community. 

Scholarship Websites

There are a lot of places online where you can find information about other scholarships. The great thing about these portals is that they may include scholarships that are pretty obscure or that have a very specific set of requirements.

A lot of these websites allow for easy filtering and sorting so you can easily find the type of scholarships you’re looking for instead of having to weed through options that don’t apply to you. There are even a few that are geared specifically to law students.

Other Options for Financial Assistance

In addition to scholarships, the federal government offers loans and grants to help students who want to continue their education. The first step to seeing what you’re eligible for is filling out a FAFSA form which you may already be familiar with from your undergraduate studies. The main difference is that, as a graduate student, you’re considered independent from your parents and their income will not be included in any income-based decisions.

Don’t Give Up

Figuring out how to pay for law school is daunting, but it shouldn’t discourage you from pursuing your dreams. In the long run, a law school degree is a great financial investment, though it might not seem like it at the beginning.

Scholarships are out there, but they’re not always easy to find. It’s important to spend the time looking around for anything that you might be eligible for and applying to everything you can. Start with your law school’s financial aid department and any other resources they may have. Then, scour the internet for websites that give you access to every scholarship out there.

HOW MUCH DO LAWYERS MAKE (2)

How Much Do Lawyers Make?

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If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in law, you’re probably wondering what the salary of a lawyer is. You know you can have a stable income as a lawyer, but that doesn’t tell you how much you can make out in the workforce.

Every lawyer is different. Several factors determine how much you’ll make, including what field of law you work to how much experience you have. The salaries of lawyers range quite a bit, and you’re not going to start out at a high salary.

To give you an idea of how much a lawyer makes yearly, we’ll go over the different salaries for different law practices. We’ll also go over how different lawyers charge their clients.

How Do Lawyers Get Paid?

Every lawyer charges their clients differently. The legal terms that get thrown around can be difficult to understand if you haven’t attended law school. So, we’re going to break down some of the vocabulary regarding lawyer fees so you can understand how lawyers make their money.

  • Contingency Fees: The majority of personal injury lawyers don’t get paid up front. Instead, they have contingency fees. This means that your lawyer doesn’t get paid unless they win your case or negotiate with the other party. Once they’ve learned all the details of your case, they determine whether or not they think they can win your case. They want a case that can win so they can help you and help themselves. The amount of a lawyer’s contingency fee depends on your individual case. In most cases though, a personal injury lawyer will charge you 33% of the money you’re awarded. On the more expensive side, some personal injury lawyers will charge you 40% of your awarded money.
  • Consultation Fees: Consultation fees are the fees lawyers charge to examine a case and give a client advice on what their next step should be. Some lawyers give free consultations online or over the phone. This also gives the client a chance to decide if this is the right lawyer for them. Those who get paid hourly usually charge a consultation fee while a lawyer with a flat fee is more likely to give you a free consultation.
  • Flat Fees: Criminal defense lawyers and contract lawyers are big on charging flat fees. Most of their work for a client is routine, from going over and verifying a contract to filing an appeal for a defendant. A flat fee works best in these situations since they know the entire process and how long that process takes.
  • Hourly Fees: Hourly fees are when a lawyer gets paid by the hour. They can charge their clients for each hour spent meeting up with them or even charge their clients for phone calls dealing with their case. Lawyers who choose hourly fees don’t work routine cases. If they don’t know how long your case is going to take, they’ll charge you an hourly fee.
  • Retainer Fees: A retainer fee is a fee that a client pays their lawyer before the client’s case even begins. Many corporations have lawyers on retainer for any legal advice and needs they may have since they’re involved in legal proceedings often. Other lawyers charge a retainer fee to pay for filing fees and other charges.

What are Pro-Bono Cases?

We’ve all heard the term pro-bono get thrown around when speaking about lawyers, but what exactly does a pro-bono case entail?

Pro-bono is a shortened Latin phrase for “for the good of the people,” the original saying being “pro bono publico.”

When a lawyer takes on a pro-bono case, they’re helping someone without the money to hire a lawyer. The client either pays very little to the lawyer or doesn’t pay anything.

These pro-bono cases are taken on for many reasons. Sometimes a lawyer will take on a case out of the goodness of their heart and because they genuinely want to help a client who’s struggling.

Other lawyers are required by their law firm to take on so many pro-bono cases a year, particularly if the case is big and will help bring attention to their firm.

So, how does a lawyer get paid for a pro-bono case? In most cases, they don’t receive a penny. However, if there’s a third party invested in the outcome of the case, they may pay the lawyer to cover the court costs for the client.

How Much Do Lawyers Make Yearly?

Every lawyer has a different yearly pay average. So, we picked the top types of lawyers and how much most of these lawyers make after some experience under their belt.

  • Bankruptcy Lawyer: A bankruptcy lawyer makes on average $115,000 a year
  • Civil Rights Lawyer: A civil rights lawyer makes on average $80,000 a year
  • Contract Lawyer: A contract lawyer makes on average $90,000 a year
  • Corporate Lawyer: A corporate lawyer makes an average of $100,000 a year
  • Criminal Defense Lawyer: A criminal defense lawyer makes an average of $80,000 a year
  • Disability Lawyer: A disability lawyer makes an average of $120,000 a year
  • Family Lawyer: A family lawyer makes an average of $70,000 a year
  • Intellectual Property Lawyer: An intellectual property lawyer makes an average of $130,000 a year
  • Medical Malpractice: A medical malpractice lawyer makes an average of $130,000 a year
  • Patent Lawyer: A patent lawyer makes on average $130,000 a year
  • Personal Injury Lawyer: A personal injury lawyer makes on average $75,000 a year
  • Real Estate Lawyer: A real estate lawyer makes on average $115,000 a year
  • Tax Lawyer: A tax lawyer makes on average $100,000 a year

According to U.S. News, the average that lawyers earned in 2017 was $119,250. The average of top lawyers of 2017 made around $178,480, and the lowest paid lawyers made about $78,130.

Conclusion

There’s good money in becoming a lawyer to make up for all those student loans and tuition prices for a good law school. We hope this article helped answer your question about how much lawyers really make behind the scenes.

good lawyers

How Do I Know if I Have a Good Lawyer?

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There’s nothing worse than an unethical lawyer or even a distracted lawyer with too big of a caseload. Unfortunately, there are always a few bad apples in the world of lawyers.

Having a bad lawyer and having to deal with incompetence or disorganization can take a toll on you and your feelings of security in your case.

You need an attorney who’s going to fight for you in the courtroom. You deserve someone with extensive knowledge on your case and the type of law your case revolves around. So, how do you tell if you have a good lawyer or one of those bad apples?

There are specific qualities you want your attorney to have regardless of what area of law your he or she specializes in. We built this guide so you can rest assured that you have a fantastic lawyer. And if not, you can boot them out the door and hire the right lawyer for you.

So, what exactly are the top qualities of a good lawyer?

Qualities of a Good Lawyer

1. Your Lawyer Needs a Positive Attitude

Your lawyer’s attitude can say quite a bit about how well the two of you will work together on your case. If you butt heads, the entire process will be even more stressful than it already is. The less stress, the better you’ll feel.

Besides, you don’t want to work with someone who’s rude and short with you whenever you meet or speak. Nobody should ever have to deal with a lawyer with an unprofessional attitude, especially if you’re paying them a pretty penny for their services.

A personable attitude is a must-have.

Your lawyer’s attitude can also say loads about how well they’ll do in the courtroom or during negotiations. Their confidence and positive attitude follows them into their work.

2. Your Lawyer Needs to be Honest

Honesty between you and your lawyer will take your case a long way and give you peace of mind.

An honest lawyer doesn’t promise you a win in court or with your lawsuit. He or she should be truthful with you about your chances of winning. They’ll remain optimistic, but they’ll stay truthful about the situation.

But honesty has to go both ways. You need to be honest with your lawyer about every detail of your case, whether it’s a criminal case or a lawsuit. To help you out, your lawyer has to know all the facts and has to feel that honesty is reciprocated.

3. Your Lawyer Needs Communication Skills

Lawyers are advocates. That means that their profession (and their success in it) revolves around strong communication skills. If you feel like it’s impossible to get a hold of your attorney or receive timely, clear updates about your case, this should be a giant red flag.

A quality lawyer has strong communication skills and communicates with you every step of the way.

First, your lawyer should be able to explain to you the process of what’s happening with your case. This should be explained in language you understand, not in complicated legal terms that you might not be familiar with.

He or she should also be able to answer every question you have regarding your case. They should be delighted and comfortable with answering your questions, not annoyed or put off.

Your lawyer should respond to your calls or e-mails within a decent amount of time. If you have an attorney who doesn’t respond or contact you for weeks at a time, you’re going to feel uninformed and insecure about your case.

Not only that, but a good lawyer will let you know what’s happening with your case as it’s actually happening. They may not call you every day, but they keep in contact with you letting you know that the motion was filed,or the appeal was in on time.

good lawyer

Lastly, good listening ties into strong communication skills. Your lawyer needs to listen to you to evaluate your case and better assess your legal needs. They should listen to what your goals are with your case.

4. Your Lawyer Needs Organizational Skills

A disorganized lawyer with a large caseload can make mistakes that will hurt your case and won’t have the focus your case must have to be a success.

A great lawyer is highly organized. This means they know what paperwork needs to be done, what information or paperwork you need to provide for your case, and they know every deadline and trial date set.

If your lawyer is organized, you’re organized. There will be no missed deadlines, and everything will go smoothly for both of you.

5. Your Lawyer Needs Logic and Research Skills

The best lawyers don’t always know everything about the law in the back of their mind. And that’s okay as long as your attorney has strong research skills.

A strong researcher is going to find everything they need to know to help your case because they’re dedicated to learning new concepts and learning about old cases similar to your case.

Because of their research skills, they can use the new knowledge they’ve gained and put together logical ideas for your case.

They need to go outside of the box and consider different perspectives of your case.

Along with the ideas of logic and research, a great lawyer will investigate your case if that’s what needed. If you need trustworthy witnesses or experts on a subject, your attorney will have them ready when your court time comes.

6. Your Lawyer Needs Experience and Great References

An experienced and seasoned lawyer who knows their focus of the law inside and out is always a major plus for you, the client. With experience, they know every step of the way which boosts your chance for a good outcome.

However, keep in mind there are still good lawyers who are new to the game and haven’t gotten the chance to prove themselves.

You have every right to ask a lawyer for references before hiring them. These references can be from law firms they’ve worked for or even clients they’ve won cases for.

Conclusion

Legal cases are not quick transactions – you will have a relationship with your lawyer. Not all relationships work, but you should always enter into one with positive feelings. If you get a bad feeling from the start, there’s probably a good reason why. Always listen to your gut.

At the end of the day, you have to trust your instincts and do what’s right for you. If you feel a lawyer isn’t in the right frame of mind to work for you, don’t be scared to terminate them and hire a different attorney.

If you need legal help and want to avoid hiring a bad lawyer, do your research first. We’ve provided resources on all types of law to help you arm yourself with knowledge before selecting an attorney that’s right for you. If you still need help, you can use our , chat with one of our staff attorneys online, or simply leave a comment below. We can help you find the right attorney to help with your case.

CAN-I-AFFORD-A-LAWYER

Can I Afford a Lawyer?

Legal AssistantBusiness Law, Divorce Law, Personal Injury Law, Personal Injury Lawyers Leave a Comment

It’s no secret that lawyers can be expensive. There are filing fees and an hourly price for an experienced lawyer with good results in the courtroom. This cost can pile up, and before you know it, you’re paying a small fortune. A small fortune you might not have. But how much does a lawyer really cost?

The simple answer is: it varies. This article explains what you can reasonably expect to pay for a good lawyer and associated court costs. We also discuss when you may qualify for free or pro-bono legal help.

How much does a lawyer cost?

Finding a lawyer for any aspect of the law is easy. Finding a lawyer you can afford, on the other hand, can be stressful. To make matters more stressful, it’s not uncommon to need the assistance of a lawyer when you’re not quite financially stable.

Depending upon the legal matter, the quality of the lawyer, and various personal circumstances, the cost to hire a lawyer can vary greatly. It can be quite expensive but like we just mentioned, a lawyer can also be surprisingly affordable depending upon your circumstances and legal issue.

Thankfully, resources exist that can help you, even if you think you can’t afford a lawyer.

Pro bono lawyers: Who qualifies?

Not everyone qualifies for pro-bono lawyers or low-income lawyers. There are strict guidelines set so others can’t take advantage of these services.

For most organizations, these general situations can qualify you for a pro-bono lawyer:

  • Low-income household. If you and your family’s income is under the average national income, you may qualify for either a pro-bono attorney or a free legal aid.
  • Criminal charges. If you’re facing criminal charges and you can’t afford a lawyer, you can be appointed a public defender by the court. It’s your legal right to have a lawyer when facing these types of charges. A public defender works for the government but also works in your best interest.
  • Veterans. If you’re a veteran and you’re disabled, there are plenty of non-profit organizations that can help you with any legal matter you may have. You can even contact the VA to see you qualify for any programs they have.
  • Lived through a disaster. If you’ve been through a major natural disaster, like a hurricane or tornado, there are disaster relief programs available.
  • Victim of Domestic Violence. If you’ve been the unfortunate victim of domestic violence, you have lots of options. There are several organizations out there to help women (and men) in need of a lawyer to obtain justice against the one who hurt you.
  • Immigrants. If you’re an immigrant that needs to acquire a visa or citizenship, some organizations specialize in immigration law and can provide you with free legal help.
  • Homelessness. If you are homeless, you can qualify for programs like the Homeless Advocacy Project. These types of programs can help you find short term housing assistance as well as help you with civil legal situations you might find yourself in.
cost of lawyer

The Average Cost of Different Types of Lawyers

The cost of a lawyer varies depending on a lawyer’s experience and the type of law they focus on.

That being said, there are general and average costs for the different types of lawyers. Keep in mind that these don’t necessarily include court or filing fees you’ll need to pay.

Here are a few examples of the average cost of different types of lawyers:

  • Bankruptcy Lawyers. If you’re filing for bankruptcy through Chapter 7, you’re going to pay your lawyer somewhere between $500 and $3,5000. If you’re filing for bankruptcy through Chapter 13, you’re going to pay your lawyer somewhere between $2,500 and $6,000. Most bankruptcy lawyers charge fixed fees.
  • Civil Litigation Lawyers. Civil litigation lawyers charge around $100 to $500 an hour if they decide to charge by the hour. Quite a few civil lawyers charge a contingency fee instead. This means they don’t get paid unless you win your civil lawsuit and you’re awarded compensation. When it comes to contingency fees, most lawyers charge 30% of the money won in court.
  • Contract Lawyers. Contract lawyers generally cost somewhere between $40 and $125 an hour. They almost always charge by the hour, but for easier cases, they might set a fixed fee.
  • Corporate Lawyers. Small business lawyers usually charge by the hour. They can charge anywhere from $100 an hour to $1,000. Those who make the higher rates are bigwig lawyers from big law firms.
  • Criminal Lawyers. Criminal lawyers make the big bucks. Some criminal lawyers charge fixed fees that range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the criminal charges you’re facing. Other criminal lawyers will charge you by the hour, ranging from $150 an hour to $700.
  • Employment Lawyers. Employment (most often discrimination and wrongful termination) lawyers usually charge by the hour. This can range anywhere from $100 an hour to $450 an hour. Some employment lawyers may charge a contingency fee instead. This contingency fee is usually 30% of the money you’re awarded.
  • Family Lawyers. Family lawyers can help you with everything from divorces to adoptions. These lawyers typically charge per hour, ranging from $250 an hour to $650 an hour.
  • Immigration Lawyers. Immigration lawyers charge different fixed fees for different types of immigration cases. On average they can charge anywhere from $750 for a simple visa to $7,000 for more complex immigration cases.
  • Medical Malpractice Lawyers. Medical malpractice lawyers charge a contingency fee. The contingency fee is usually between 25% to 35% of the compensation you’re awarded if they win your lawsuit.
  • Patent Lawyers. Patent lawyers help you acquire patents for your inventions or ideas. On average, they charge anywhere from $400 an hour to $1,000 an hour. These lawyers almost always charge by the hour.
  • Personal Injury Lawyers. A personal injury lawyer will more than likely charge you a contingency fee. For personal injury lawyers, this contingency fee is on the higher spectrum. It can run from 30% to 40%. This may seem high to you, but there are many costs and risks that a lawyer has to bear when taking a personal injury case. One huge risk a personal injury lawyer takes is that if he or she loses the case, all of those high costs come out of the lawyer’s personal pocket.
  • Real Estate Lawyers. Real estate lawyers can charge anywhere between $150 an hour to $350 an hour. Additionally, they may also charge you a fixed fee for services like writing up closing documents on a piece of property.

Resources if You Need a Pro-Bono or Affordable Lawyer

If you don’t believe you’re able to afford a lawyer, but you’re in desperate need of one, there are resources out there to help you.

Two of the best websites to find pro-bono lawyers include:

  • Legal Services Corporation is a non-profit created by Congress in 1974. They have organizations in every state that help low-income people in need of legal representation.
  • American Bar Association started a program in 2016 that allows you to get free legal advice online. Not only that but if you qualify with their low-income guidelines, they can find you a pro-bono lawyer in your area.

If you don’t qualify for pro-bono assistance, then resources like our Ask a Lawyer tool can help you get started by chatting with one of our volunteer lawyers for free. If you aren’t sure whether or not you have a legal matter on your hands, this is a great tool to use to get your bearings.

Conclusion

Lawyers aren’t cheap, but their knowledge of the law and their ability to fight for you makes every penny worth it. Even if you don’t think you can afford a lawyer, you have options.

types of lawyers

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need?

Legal AssistantBusiness Law, Divorce Law, Personal Injury Law, Personal Injury Lawyers 1 Comment

Unless you’re an attorney, most people have no idea when they need a lawyer or what kind they actually need.

There are numerous types of law in the United States. This means there’s at least twice the number of lawyers out there for each field of law. It can be a stressful process trying to find the right attorney for your specific law needs.

You have to spend research deciding what lawyer to hire but how can you even get that far if you don’t know what type you actually need?

We wrote this guide of the main types of lawyers out there to make your vetting process go much smoother.

Bankruptcy Lawyers

Sometimes we get ourselves in debt too deep that we can’t climb our way out. We don’t see the light, and if we don’t ask for help, we keep digging ourselves deeper and deeper.

In a country where credit is king, it can feel impossible to get through. That’s when a bankruptcy lawyer can lend you a helping hand.

Filing for bankruptcy is a legal process that helps you be relieved of either part of your debit or in more dire situations; all your debt can be relieved.

types of lawyers

There are two types of bankruptcy lawyers.

A commercial bankruptcy lawyer helps businesses or the people behind the business file for bankruptcy. Not only can they help you relieve your business’ debt, but they can help you gain time to rebuild your business.

[See our list of commercial bankruptcy lawyers]

A consumer bankruptcy lawyer helps you, the individual, file for bankruptcy.

[See our list of consumer bankruptcy lawyers]

Car Accident Lawyers

Being involved in a car accident can be a headache, even if it’s only a fender bender. There’s so much behind the scenes fighting against you from receiving an insurance claim. Insurance companies don’t like to pay out, so they’ll fight you every step of the way.

A car accident lawyer can help you receive monetary compensation for any damages done to your vehicle as well as help you prove that you weren’t at fault for the accident in the first place.

A car accident lawyer can also be considered a sub-type of a personal injury attorney. They can make sure you receive compensation for any injuries that resulted from your accident as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

[See our list of car accident lawyers]

Child Support Lawyers

Child support can be a difficult matter, whether a couple has divorced or a dead beat parent refuses to step up to their responsibility. It can bring up raw emotions, and two exes aren’t always the best at negotiating.

A child support lawyer falls underneath the specialty of Family Law and specializes in child support cases. They will aid you in the paperwork and steps it takes to get money to help support your child.

Not only can they help you receive child support, but they can also help determine the amount the judge will grant you as well as make sure you are continually receiving the child support.

If you are on the other side of the fence, but you have split custody, a child support lawyer can make sure you aren’t overpaying since you’re already supporting your child when your child is with you.

[See our list of child support lawyers]

Criminal Defense Lawyers

Maybe you find yourself in some hot water, or maybe you’re being accused of a crime you didn’t commit. Either way, it’s time to lawyer up with a criminal defense attorney.

A criminal defense lawyer will defend you if you’re charged with a criminal offense. They can prove your innocence before a jury due to a lack of evidence or confused witnesses.

Or they can help you get the best possible outcome by making a plea deal with the prosecutor if you are guilty of the crime you’re being charged for.

They can also help you maintain your rights if you’re being questioned or interrogated by the police. This is to keep you from incriminating yourself or even to make sure the police are following procedures.

[See our list of criminal defense lawyers]

Disability Lawyers

Filing for disability for a physical and mental disability is time-consuming and difficult. And even after all that effort, you have a low chance of being awarded disability by a judge.

You can go about it alone, but if you want a real chance, you’re going to want to hire a disability lawyer.

They can help you through the entire process. If you’re denied, they can appeal the decision for you. Plus, they have experience dealing with the Social Security Administration. They know what it takes to get accepted for disability compensation.

[See our list of Social Security disability lawyers]

Divorce Lawyers

Divorces are messy, and when you’re going through one, you’re bound to be an emotional wreck. When divorcing, these emotions can get in the way of logic and keeping the peace.

A divorce lawyer, who also falls under the specialty of Family Law, is there to be your mediator. They’re also there to make sure the two of you split up your possessions the way they should be. If you deserve alimony, they make sure you receive it.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Medical malpractice refers to when a medical professional causes you or a loved one injury or death due to their negligence.

To sue a medical professional of medical malpractice, it must be proven that you wouldn’t have this injury or illness if it hadn’t been for their direct actions.

A medical malpractice lawyer helps gather evidence for your case as well as speaks to other professionals to better understand what happened to you. They fight in court for you for monetary compensation that you’re deserved due to the suffering of the complications.

[See our list of medical malpractice lawyers]

Patent Lawyers

A patent gives you and only you reign over your invention or idea. This is to ensure that someone doesn’t take credit or make money off of something that you created. It prevents anyone else from profiting off of your invention.

A patent lawyer helps you through the patent process. They know the ins and outs of the paperwork for receiving a patent.

If someone does attempt to steal your idea or invention, a patent lawyer will back you up on legal proceedings to stop this person from their wrongdoings.

[See our list of intellectual property lawyers]

Personal Injury Lawyers

A personal injury lawyer ensures that you receive compensation when you’re injured from the negligence of someone else.

That negligence may not be a crime by federal or state standards, but you still deserve some type of justice, even if it’s only monetary. This money will help you pay your medical bills and compensate you for your pain and suffering.

They’ll build your case with evidence and witness statements. They’ll negotiate for you and take it to court if an agreement can’t be made.

[See our list of personal injury lawyers]

Wrongful Termination Lawyers

A wrongful termination lawyer helps you get compensation if you’ve wrongly been fired from your job. Whether it was a result of discrimination or a breach in a contract, this type of attorney will help you out.

You have rights as an employee, and a wrongful termination lawyer has the knowledge to make sure you’re protected, and some justice is served.

[See our list of employment lawyers]

Conclusion

These are just a few types of lawyers out there. We’ve listed the most common types and categories of attorneys below to get you started.

You can also use our simple Ask a Lawyer tool to chat with an attorney online who can get you pointed in the right direction. No matter what your situation is, you’ll find a lawyer in your needed field.

Ultimately, it’s up to you on how specialized you want your lawyer to be, but he or she should have experience in the type of matter you’re trying to resolve.

Other Types of Lawyers

If you need assistance, you can also chat now with a Laws101.com attorney, where you’ll be instantly connected to a lawyer who can give you legal guidance or point you in the right direction on your specific case or question.

what information you need before your free consultation

Top 7 Reasons Why Lawyers Won’t Take Your Case

Legal AssistantBusiness Law, Divorce Law, Personal Injury Law Leave a Comment

People often think that a lawyer will take any kind of case just to make a buck. That is not the case at all. Every lawyer has his or her own standards and reasons for why they make take one case and not another.

Here are the top 7 reasons why a lawyer won’t take your case:

1. There is No Money to be Made in Your Case

There is a real cost associated with trying a case. For a lawyer to take a case, the case needs to have the potential to recover more money than the lawyer will have to invest to try the case.

Depending upon the type of case, a lawyer may easily have to invest $50,000-$100,000 (or more) in pursuing a case. The more experienced and successful the attorney, the higher that number becomes. Such costs may involve product testing, the expense of obtaining expert witnesses, and many other potential costs.

Additionally, the cost of developing the testimony to prove up your case has to be factored into the analysis of the attorney. If the cost of the expected depositions exceeds the expected return on the case, an attorney most likely will not accept the case.

If a lawyer doesn’t take your case, you can get a second opinion from another lawyer who has taken cases similar to yours. But be cautious in this approach because of the next reason why a lawyer may not take your case:

2. Other lawyers have rejected your case

If your case has been repeatedly “released” or “dropped” from another law firm, subsequent attorneys will think twice about taking your case from either a liability perspective or an unreasonable expectation perspective.

Often times, many cases are turned down because the potential client appears to be shopping around for a lawyer based upon the feedback they receive on the potential value of the case.

Even though it is crucial and recommended to be selective in choosing a lawyer, it’s important that you focus on whether or not the lawyer in question has expertise and a history of winning the type of case you’re involved in. If it’s clear you’re just shopping around for the best payout, a lawyer may not waste their time with you.

3. The Statute of Limitations has expired

A statute of limitations is a law which sets the maximum time you have to initiate legal proceedings from the date of an alleged offense, whether civil or criminal. The length of time the statute allows for a victim to bring legal action against the suspected wrong-doer can vary from one state or jurisdiction to another.

In general, the time allowed under a statute of limitations varies depending upon the nature of the offense. In most cases, statutes of limitations apply to civil cases. For example, in some states, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims is two years, so that means you have two years to sue for a personal injury case. If you wait so much as one day over the two-year deadline, you can no longer sue for a personal injury.

4. You have a weak case

One of the questions you should always ask in a consultation with a firm is, “How strong is my case?” If a firm doesn’t think you have a strong case, they certainly don’t want to add a loss to their record. Lawyers have an interest to protect their own reputations since a strong reputation will draw in more clients, just as a weak reputation will do exactly the opposite.

In personal injury cases, how badly you’re injured is an important factor in a case. If your injuries are minor, an attorney may pass on your case because the expected monetary compensation will also be minimal.

5. There is a conflict of interests

Lawyers have an ethical duty to not represent clients who may have adverse interests. Conversely, if a lawyer is related (professionally or by blood) to a party in your case, that can also be seen as a conflict of interests.

6. They don’t specialize in that type of case

Say you’ve been injured in a case of medical malpractice. Not all personal injury attorneys specialize in medical malpractice injuries. Oftentimes, you’ll see that personal injury lawyers specialize in a very specific type of injury case, such as car and truck accident cases. Some may only handle product liability cases, and some may only handle oil field injury cases.

If you have strong rapport with the lawyer you’re speaking to but he or she doesn’t specialize in your specific type of case, ask for a referral. Chances are high that they’ll be able to refer you to a lawyer who does have experience in your type of case.

7. They don’t like you

A lawyer is never obligated to take your case. Taking on a new client means starting a new working relationship – and relationships are a two-way street. If you’re perceived to be difficult to work with, obnoxious, or abrasive, then they may choose to pass on your case.

In fact, if you’re difficult to work with and a lawyer is still desperate to take your case, you may need to take a look at that lawyer’s record of winning cases like yours. Chances are, his or her win record isn’t that strong. Beggars can’t be choosers – and that goes both ways.

i need a lawyer

When Do I Need a Lawyer?

Legal AssistantBusiness Law, Divorce Law, Personal Injury Law Leave a Comment

Let’s face it: no one wants to need a lawyer. But chances are that most people will need a lawyer at least one point in their lives.

Oftentimes, you might need a lawyer and not even know it. Determining when you need a lawyer can be difficult to discern, but we’ve put together the top 10 situations when you should consider one:

Also read: Top 7 Reasons Why Lawyers Won’t Take Your Case

1. You are being sued

No matter what you’re being sued for, if someone has hired an attorney to sue you, you will be at a great disadvantage if you try to go up against an attorney representing your adversary. Even experienced attorneys typically do not represent themselves in court.

If you’re being sued, it is difficult to remove emotions and bias from your argument in front of a judge and jury, which is why even a solid case can quickly unravel without the help of a trained and emotionally detached attorney.

2. You suffered an injury

If you were injured by an insured party, whether whether the injury was from a vehicular accident, workplace accident, or you have some other type of personal injury claim, the other party’s insurance company will act fast to try and settle your claim as quickly as possible. When you’re in a situation like this, you should talk to a personal injury lawyer before you speak to a single insurance company representative.

There are lawyers who do nothing more than specialize in these types of claims. There are reasons for this and you may be entitled to a significant amount of compensation for your injuries.

Also read: Personal Injury Law, Auto Accident Attorney: When and How to Use One,

3. You’ve been denied a disability claim at work

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment in exchange for mandatory relinquishment of the employee’s right to sue their employer for the tort of negligence.

If you’ve been injured at work, it is common that your disability claim will be denied the first time around. This is because employers know a certain percentage of people will simply accept what they’re told and give up on the claims process. On the other hand, if an employer is quick to offer worker’s compensation benefits to you, it may be because they know that they may be held substantially more liable for your injury if you’re given the opportunity to sue them.

This is why you need to seek a lawyer immediately after a workplace injury. These attorneys get paid on a contingency fee basis so there are no up-front costs for you.

Also read: The Importance of Workplace Injury Attorneys, How a Workplace Injury Lawyer Fights for You, What You Can Do if You’re Involved in an Oil Rig Accident

4. You have a lot to lose

If you stand to lose a great deal of money, your property, or your freedom, find a lawyer.

5. You are being accused of a crime

Whether you are guilty or innocent, you will need a lawyer who is knowledgeable in protecting your rights so that you are defended as well as possible.

6. You’re getting a divorce

If there are disagreements over assets or children, if there are allegations of domestic violence, or if you have a sufficiently complex financial situation so that the division of retirement benefits or serious tax considerations come into play, you will need legal assistance. In some states, even if you are in agreement, or close to agreement, you can both hire one lawyer to assist you in getting through the legal process.

Also read: Choosing Divorce Lawyers

7. You’re adopting a child

Adopting a child is an important matter with many potential complications, and an attorney who specializes in adoption will assure things are done right.

Adoption law is a specialty and not all family law attorneys have the expertise to oversee and finalize an adoption. You can find licensed adoption attorneys at www.adoptionattorneys.org which lists attorneys who have been vetted by the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and have a minimum amount of related adoption experience.

8. You need a legal contract

If you need to set up a complex business organization (multiple entities), have complex tax matters, need to file for a patent, have an intellectual property dispute, or become involved in litigation over a breach of contract, hire a lawyer who specializes in business law.

It is also essential that you understand the terms of any contract you are asked to sign. If you don’t understand the terms, or how to prepare a contract, consult a lawyer.

9. You need to declare bankruptcy

In the United States, it is not possible to declare bankruptcy without a lawyer. In general, the difficulty of your bankruptcy will depend upon the facts of your case and whether you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

One way to find out if you have a good bankruptcy attorney is to to ask whether the lawyer has represented clients in similar situations to yours in the past.

10. You’ve been wrongfully fired

Unless you have an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement that mandates a certain amount of notice, it’s legal for your employer to fire you without notice.

However, it IS illegal for employers to discriminate in hiring, firing or promotion on the basis of:

  • Sex or Gender
  • Race or Color
  • Religion
  • National Origin
  • Disability
  • Pregnancy
  • Age (over 40, per federal law, although some states offer protections for workers younger than age 40)
  • Genetic Information
  • Workers can also sue or file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if they are sexually harassed at work, fired for being a whistleblower, are forced to resign, or made to endure a hostile work environment.

Getting help from a skilled lawyer isn’t generally cheap and most legal proceedings will take a considerable amount of time. However, don’t be scared of hiring a lawyer when the situation warrants it. It may end up being much more costly if you ignore the problem or try to represent yourself.

Also read: What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need?

The Basics of Civil Action Lawsuits

The Basics of Civil Action Lawsuits

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Civil action lawsuits are an important part of civil law. Filing a civil action lawsuit against a company in court is an attempt to not only receive compensation for their wrongdoings but it also puts the company in their place. They have to face up to their negligence and the harm they’ve caused.

Civil law refers to a system of law that revolves around personal disputes instead of criminal offenses. When a person or company wrongs you, civil law is there to defend your rights. However, there is a civil procedure to follow.

From small claims to criminal cases, we’re going to learn all about the basics of civil action lawsuits, from the requirements and legal advice for a winning trial to the different types of civil lawsuits that can be filed.

Different Types of Civil Action Lawsuits

When it comes to a civil case, there are so many types of lawsuits it can be confusing. Being able to determine which type of lawsuit you have will help you hire the perfect attorney.

Civil action lawsuits can include:

  • Antitrust: Antitrust violations are violations against laws created to protect against monopolization, price discrimination, and price fixing. Most of these lawsuits happen when people are forced to pay way too much for a product due to price fixing.
  • Consumer Fraud: Consumer fraud is when a consumer or customer is tricked out of their money. This can include products with defects, false advertising, or even violating consumer protection laws that are in place for companies. Product defect lawsuits are the main civil action lawsuits that take place.
  • Civil rights: Lawsuits regarding civil rights deal with the civil rights that every human deserves. These rights are protected by the Bill of Rights. So, when an entity violates the civil rights of several people, justice must be served. This runs from illegal searches by police to being discriminated against for your gender, skin color, or sexuality. There have also been several Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuits too due to companies not making products accessible to those with disabilities or not making stores accessible to everyone.
  • Employment: Employment class action lawsuits fight against the mistreatment of employees by the businesses they work for. When multiple employees come forward about mistreatment in the workplace, they have a chance to implement change and better work practices in that company. These types of lawsuits can include discrimination, a hostile work environment, not being allowed to take breaks, not being paid, being expected to work off the clock, and sexual harassment.
  • Environmental: Environmental cases involve companies that let toxic substances into the environment. These actions cause havoc on communities and can affect the earth for decades. Environmental lawsuits against companies include chemical spills, oil spills, and contaminating water sources.
  • Medications and Medical: Pharmaceutical and medical companies release medications and medical devices that do more harm than good. In fact, there’s a lawsuit against the companies that created Cymbalta and Lyrica right now.
  • Privacy and Consumer Rights: Privacy and consumer rights lawsuits come up when a company has broken privacy laws. When purchasing products, companies gather personal information on a person. This can be your address or your credit card numbers. Some companies leak this information. A couple of examples of privacy and consumer rights lawsuits include data breach violations and Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act violations.
  • Securities Fraud: Securities fraud happens when someone cons money out of people under the guise of investment. These investments were made to the person while being fed false information about what they’re investing in. This can include investment fraud and stock fraud.

Prerequisites to a Civil Action Lawsuit

In order to file a civil complaint against a company and have the complaint classified by a judge, you need to prove four major elements. These elements help a judge decided if they should classify your civil complaint or dismiss your case.

Failing any of these factors can lead to being straight out denied. If you can’t cover these, you’d never have a chance in court anyway.

  • Numerosity: Despite what it seems, numerosity isn’t just about how many plaintiffs there are in a civil action lawsuit. Rather, it’s about how difficult it would be if each person filed an individual lawsuit.
  • Commonality: Commonality means you and the other potential plaintiffs have to find a common link or bond. You don’t want broad allegations against the defendant. You want to be as specific as possible about the link between you all.
  • Typicality: To prove typicality, you have to prove that the lead plaintiff has the same injuries or sickness that the others have. You represent everyone else that’s under the civil action lawsuit.
  • Adequacy: First, you have to prove you have adequate representations. So, you have to prove your lawyer is capable of representing your interests and that you can adequately represent the group. It also has to be determined that there’s no conflict between you and the others. You must all agree on the steps you want to take with the lawsuit.

Before filing you should remember to check out the rules of applying for a civil complaint. When bringing a lawsuit to federal court, you need to know the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

Once a complaint is filed, you’ll have to fill out a summons form. A summons is a document that requests a response from the company and makes them aware of the lawsuit.

Even if your lawsuit moves forward, that doesn’t mean you’ll head to court. After several hearings, the defendant may offer you a settlement. It’s up to you and the others who were injured whether you accept that settlement or not.

Conclusion

There are a lot of aspects to a civil action lawsuit. These steps are required but climbing that mountain will be worth it once you reach the top. Companies must be held accountable for any wrongdoings.