Understanding the Steps of the Legal Process

Getting served with a lawsuit or being involved in any kind of legal matter can be scary and confusing. If you are involved in a civil lawsuit of any kind, it's best to familiarize yourself with the process so you understand what to expect. You should also find legal representation as soon as possible. Learn more about the steps and what they mean.

Locating Legal Representation

It's essential that you hire a lawyer who has experience in the area of your legal issue. Find out what past experience he has and what the results of previous cases were. Discuss all the details of your problem and ask questions to ensure you are a good fit and can trust your new lawyer. Once you have made your selection, your legal representation will start the litigation process. 

Investigation to Find Proof

To have a good chance of winning your case, it's vital that you gather as much evidence to show as proof. Your lawyer will handle this while asking for your assistance in providing any helpful documentation and information.

Pleadings from Both Parties

The plaintiff is the party that initiates the legal action against the defendant, the person accused of wrongdoing. The plaintiff officially files their complaint and the notification is presented to the defendant. The defendant then responds by entering their plea and the proceedings move forward. 

Discovery Process

The discovery process may be lengthy. This is the time period where parties on both sides of the case do their research and document findings, locate witnesses and give depositions. Court reporting Seattle is normally present at all legal proceedings to transcribe the proceedings, This is necessary to have a record and protect the rights of those involved. 

Pre-Trial

During the pre-trial, representatives from both sides of the case will enter into negotiations. In many cases, a settlement agreement can be reached in this phase and the case settled out of court. 

Trial

If settlement terms can't be negotiated that both the plaintiff and defendant can agree upon, the case will proceed to trial. It may be heard before only a judge, or a judge and jury. 

The trial gives all parties the opportunity to argue their case in front of the judge. Your lawyer will be responsible for guiding you and participating in every stage of the proceedings. They must give both an opening statement and a closing argument at the end.

Witnesses may be called to give testimony in front of the court. Experts may be called upon to give general knowledge pertinent to the case. Any documentation or proof that has been located can be presented to the judge and jury at this time. You will also be given the opportunity to tell your side of the story. It's also likely that the other party will ask you questions to try and prove that they are in the right. 

Settlement

After the trial is completed, a settlement will be given. This is the outcome of the trial. In civil cases, the settlement usually involves a sum of money or financial compensation that one party is ordered to pay to the other to cover damages. 

Possible Appeal

If either side of the case is unhappy with the results and believes that the final outcome is not as it should be, they are able to file an appeal. There is normally a time limit for this, so make sure that you and your lawyer discuss your next steps and take action quickly. 

When an appeal is granted, the case generally moves into a higher level of the court system where the evidence and testimony are presented once again and a new outcome may be reached. 

Navigation of the legal system can be complex, especially if you have never had to do so before. Give yourself greater peace of mind, and a better chance of a favorable outcome, by finding an experienced lawyer to represent your interests.