Fort Myers Civil Litigation Lawyers
You might be familiar with what goes on inside a courtroom – maybe not through your own experience but because you have seen court proceedings in the media. You might have seen movies in which dramatic scenes develop in the courtroom and believe that this is what seeking justice is all about. However, movies and television usually focus on the criminal side of the law. Civil cases are often not quite so dramatic, but they are the preferred method for settling legal disputes.
Our lawyers have handled disputes in many areas of law, including but not limited to administrative law, business and commercial law, and government and regulatory compliance. Only a small number of cases make it to trial. Most are settled out of court, as this tends to be beneficial for all involved. Whenever possible, our lawyers will help you circumvent the time-consuming and costly proceedings of a trial while ensuring that you get the settlement you deserve.
An Overview Of Civil Litigation And What Our Attorneys Do
Through civil litigation, noncriminal matters are resolved in a court of law. These matters generally deal with situations and relationships between people. They can cover either a divorce, a marriage, or a contract dispute between two giant corporations. In these cases, individuals or businesses file a lawsuit against another business or another individual.
Civil litigation attorneys like ours at Patrick McLain Law have the training and experience to represent either a plaintiff or a defendant in a civil lawsuit. Your civil litigation lawyer will manage every single phase of the litigation process, starting with the investigation, pleading and discovery. They will also handle the pre-trial, trial and settlement, as well as the appeals process if one becomes necessary.
Specific tasks will vary depending on the nature of the dispute and whether our attorneys are representing the plaintiff or the defendant. We will also carry out arbitration and mediation processes when necessary.
What Types Of Law Does Civil Litigation Usually Involve?
Our attorneys represent clients in a wide variety of civil disputes, including those related to:
- Personal injury: Auto accidents, premises liability, product liability and more
- Workers’ compensation: Helping injured workers claim the benefits they are entitled to
- Real estate: Mortgage and title disputes, foreclosures and more
- Business and commercial law disputes: Business and partnership disputes, infringements of copyrights, complex business and corporate litigation matters, contract disputes, patents and intellectual property, antitrust cases, etc.
- Estate law and probate disputes: Will contests, trust litigation and more
- Family law: Contested divorce and child custody proceedings, enforcement of child support and alimony, etc.
No matter what your legal needs, chances are good that our knowledgeable attorneys can help you.
Differences Between Civil And Criminal Proceedings
In many cases, there is an overlap in the role of a civil lawyer with the criminal justice system. This means that in some criminal cases, the plaintiff may opt to file a civil lawsuit. This route offers plaintiffs the possibility of having more control, achieve greater accountability and justice, and receive greater compensation.
One major difference between civil and criminal proceedings lies in the fact that civil lawsuits offer an advantage to those who have been wronged by requiring a much less stringent burden of proof. In criminal cases, the prosecuting attorney must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt while making it clear to everyone that the accused is guilty due to the evidence. Civil lawsuits have a much lower burden of proof, and it’s easier to demonstrate that the other party was more than 51% at fault based on a preponderance of the evidence.
Discuss Your Legal Options With Our Fort Myers Litigation Attorneys
To schedule your initial consultation at our Fort Myers office, call 239-737-3735 or reach out online. Patrick McLain Law serves clients in Lee County and the surrounding areas of southwest Florida.