When someone violates your rights or leaves you injured, you can seek damages through a civil lawsuit. You can represent yourself in a civil case, but you might wonder, Do I need a civil litigation attorney?
Having an attorney for civil cases increases your chances of achieving your desired result. And your attorney will handle all the details, leaving you free to focus on your business, health, and family.
Get help from our Ohio civil litigation lawyers by calling (419) 455-1410 or contacting us online today.
What Is a Civil Litigation Attorney?
Civil litigation encompasses the many claims people may have against another individual, business, or organization. A lawsuit begins when one party, called the “plaintiff,” files a complaint in court. The other party is the “defendant.” When the defendant receives notice of the suit, they will file an answer, which begins the pre-trial process.
During pre-trial, the parties go through the discovery process. They share information, answer requests for admissions and interrogatories, and conduct depositions. They also file pre-trial motions. The attorneys use these motions to settle questions of evidence admissibility and procedural issues that might arise before trial.
Before going to trial, the civil attorney will negotiate with the other party and their insurance company to try to reach a settlement. Settling can save everyone a lot of stress, time, and money because if you reach an agreement, there is no need to go through a trial. But if you must go to trial, your attorney will select a jury, question witnesses, and argue your case in court.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Civil Suit?
You have a right to represent yourself in any case. However, unless you went to law school and know the law well, representing yourself can have very serious pitfalls. In fact, representing yourself can easily cost you your recovery since missing one deadline could bar you from recovery. Consider hiring an attorney if you want the best possible outcome. Here are some reasons why you need a civil litigation attorney.
1. Civil Litigation Attorneys Know the Law
The law is complex, and the various civil claims have complicated elements and issues that arise. When you represent yourself, do not think the judge will help you or instruct you on how to proceed. The court expects pro se litigants (those representing themselves) to understand the law and cannot help you with your case or give you legal advice.
As a plaintiff, you have the burden of proving your claims by a preponderance of the evidence. You must know which evidence is admissible and which is not. You must know when and how to make objections when the other side acts improperly.
You must show the jury that it is more likely than not that your story is true and that you deserve compensation under the law. This is no small task. In fact, it is quite complex—which is why lawyers train for years. If you miss a detail, it could cost your case.
2. Your Attorney Will Manage the Procedures and Deadlines
A lawsuit requires you to file paperwork under strict deadlines. Even if you are the defendant in a case, you still have a deadline for responding to the complaint. You risk delays or having your entire claim rejected if you miss a deadline. Throughout your case, your attorney will ensure you adhere to procedures, fulfill deadlines, and correctly complete and file the paperwork.
3. Lawyers Know How to Handle a Party That Refuses to “Play Fair”
If you represent yourself, you are at a significant disadvantage. When a defendant learns that a plaintiff does not have legal representation, they will likely be much less willing to settle.
Insurance companies routinely bully unrepresented and unsuspecting plaintiffs, and they are notorious for using unfair delay tactics. But your attorney has seen it all before. They know the insurance company’s tactics and will not allow you to be bullied. They know when to negotiate and when to stand up for your rights by taking your case to trial.
4. Lawsuits Take a Lot of Time, Money, and Effort
A complex case can require many hours of pre-trial discovery and preparation. It may require expert witnesses or investigators. When you have an attorney, they will use their contacts and connections to assemble evidence to support your claims. A successful civil litigation attorney has experience managing all aspects of the case, from proving your claim to filing paperwork.
Bensinger Legal Services: Civil Attorney in Lima, Ohio
You may want to represent yourself. But at some point, you might think, I need a civil attorney. When that happens, consider Bensinger Legal Services. When you call our firm, you can expect to feel welcomed, taken care of, and informed throughout the process.
Mr. Aaron Bensinger has extensive experience helping clients through personal injury and civil litigation cases. He and his team understand the stress you feel during a dispute with a business, the government, or a neighbor.
Let us work for you, and we will go the extra mile to secure the recovery you deserve. Stop wondering, Do I need a civil litigation attorney? Instead, take action and reach out or call our experienced civil litigation attorneys today at (419) 455-1410.
Aaron L. Bensinger is an Ohio attorney serving personal injury and civil litigation clients. He has extensive trial experience and makes client service is his primary focus. As a partner at Balyeat, Leahy, Daley, Miller & Bensinger, LLC, Aaron happily works in Lima, OH, and serves the entire Northwest region of the state and beyond.
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