Civil Litigation
This is a truly broad area of law that, in essence, encompasses suits for monetary damages and other forms of relief such as injunctions, restraining/harassment, and other abuse prevention orders. The path of civil litigation is strewn with obstacles that are, quite frankly, designed to make it impossible to obtain relief without benefit of counsel. Further complicating the process is the intervention of insurance defense lawyers whose role it is to do what they can to frustrate, thwart, obstruct, delay and, if they are truly successful, undermine the effort entirely. No defendant wants to pay damages and many will pay whatever it takes to defend against legitimate suits by injured parties to make them go away unless it becomes more potentially costly to litigate further than to settle the matter.
Knowing the statutes of limitations for filing civil suits, drafting effective complaints, familiarity with discovery rules and procedures, and the effective preparation and pursuit of the trial (if necessary) are all more properly the province of a skilled litigation lawyer than a layperson. Even knowing what a particular case is worth and what makes a given case worth more or less as the litigation proceeds is better understood by a seasoned civil attorney.
Handling civil cases on your own should be a last resort only after making serious efforts to obtain a lawyer with the knowledge and expertise to navigate the way through this labyrinthine minefield to a satisfactory resolution whether by trial or settlement. It must always be kept in mind that the goal of a civil suit is to obtain the remedy you deserve and not to seek vengeance against or try to destroy the other side. No amount of money brings closure to or fills the void that is left in your heart and life resulting from the loss of or catastrophic injury to a loved one or to you.
Do you have questions or do you want to make an appointment in this area?
Call us at 617 720-4244 or use our contact form.