Introduction & Overview
Introduction & Overview
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Learn the basics of how civil lawsuits work, including how civil court differs from criminal court.
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Steps in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Here's how a typical personal injury case progresses once the court is involved.
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What are Mediation and Arbitration?
Mediation and arbitration both have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are the basics.
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What Should Be in Your Lawyers' Fee Agreement
If you're hiring a lawyer, make sure you have a clear, written fee agreement that spells out the cost of legal representation, related expenses, and the work to be done.
Should You Sue?
Should You Sue?
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Here's what to consider before filing a lawsuit or insurance claim when you've been injured in an accident.
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Advantages of Settling a Personal Injury Case
Most personal injury cases settle out of court, and for good reason. Settlement is faster, less expensive, and less risky.
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Pros & Cons of Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Pursuing a lawsuit and trial after a car accident or other type of injury case may be an option if settlement negotiation isn't working, but there are risks.
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The Cost of Taking Your Personal Injury Case to Court
When settlement negotiations fail and a personal injury lawsuit is taken to court, both sides will spend a lot more money.
Steps in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Steps in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
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The Complaint In a Personal Injury Lawsuit
When it's filed in court, the "complaint" is the document that starts a personal injury lawsuit.
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What Are Interrogatories In a Personal Injury Case?
As part of the "discovery" process in a personal injury case, the two sides typically exchange written questions and answers.
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The Deposition in a Personal Injury Case
During a personal injury deposition, the plaintiff or another witness testifies under oath as part of the "discovery" process.
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The Burden of Proof in a Personal Injury Case
What is "by a preponderance of the evidence" and how do you establish it? Learn about the burden of proof requirement in a personal injury lawsuit.
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How the Jury "Calculates" Your Personal Injury Award
If your personal injury lawsuit doesn't get settled and makes it through a trial, it's up to the jury to determine how much you should get paid. Here's how it works.
Special Cases
Special Cases
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How a Class Action Lawsuit Works
In a class action lawsuit, people who've suffered a similar loss or injury bring a single collective case against the responsible party.
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Should You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against Someone With No Insurance?
If the party responsible for your injury doesn't have adequate insurance or "deep pockets", filing a lawsuit may be a fruitless effort.
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Can You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After the Statute of Limitations Has Run?
The statute of limitations is a claim killer, but the discovery rule and tolling rules might keep your claim alive.
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The "Empty Chair" Defense To a Personal Injury Lawsuit
The "empty chair" defense is a tactic where the defendant in a personal injury claim will try to shift fault for the injury to an "absent" third party.
