What to Expect During a Lawsuit
Dothan law firm handling arbitration, mediation and litigation
What does a lawsuit involve?
Without proper representation, being involved in a lawsuit can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience. There is always something of value at stake in the lawsuit itself and it typically equates to money or property. At a minimum, dealing with a lawsuit will involve valuable time and unnecessary anxiety if you do not have adequate representation. At Prim & Mendheim, LLC, our skilled Dothan attorneys specialize in the general practice of law and who can provide valuable representation that will guide you through the process of many different kinds of lawsuits.
How do I start a lawsuit?
Under Alabama law, a lawsuit is initiated when you, as a plaintiff, file a Complaint with the court against a defendant. The defendant is then served with a copy of the Complaint and given a certain amount of time to answer the Complaint. The defendant can admit to or contest portions of the Complaint, issue a defense against it, or make known his or her own claims against you as the plaintiff. If the defendant fails to timely answer the Complaint, the court can issue a default judgment in your favor and against the defendant.
The defendant can admit to or contest portions of the Complaint, issue a defense against it, or make known his or her own claims against you. If the defendant does not answer the Complaint, the court can issue a default judgment according to law.
What is discovery?
Discovery is a process during the lawsuit whereby you and the defendant exchange documents and other pertinent information related to the issues raised in your lawsuit. Discovery also includes an opportunity to take the depositions of the parties involved or any potential witnesses. As a result of the discovery process, many lawsuits are settled between the parties either through a settlement agreement or mediation. Many courts encourage a potential settlement between the parties be ordering the parties to mediation but not every case goes to mediation. Our Dothan-based general practice attorneys at Prim & Mendheim, LLC will guide you through the process of discovery as part of your lawsuit.
When do we actually go to court?
Following the completion of the discovery process and if the parties are unable to reach a settlement, the case will be scheduled for trial. At the trial, attorneys present evidence for each side, and a judge or jury decides the outcome. The law in Alabama allows for an appeal if one side disagrees with the verdict.
At the trial, attorneys present evidence for each case, and a judge or jury decides the outcome. The law in Alabama allows for an appeal if one side disagrees with the verdict.
What you can do
The most important step in preparing for a lawsuit is to make sure that you have superior legal representation. As a Dothan law firm with a large knowledge base, Prim & Mendheim, LLC works diligently and proactively on your behalf to resolve your legal issues.
