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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Getting Ready for Your Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you are unable to settle your personal injury claim, you may need to go through with a lawsuit. Here's what to expect in the personal injury litigation process.
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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?
You can't sue after the statute of limitations filing deadline has passed, but special circumstances might extend the standard time limit.
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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.