Are you wondering what types of litigation there are? Check out this complete guide to the different types of litigation to find out.
Approximately 95% of lawsuits end with a settlement before a trial could take place. The other 5% of lawsuits end up in court subject to a process known as litigation.
Litigation refers to the process of resolving disputes in a court of law. It involves an established set of rules and practices and aims to ensure that legal issues are settled in a fair and moderate manner.
There are many different types of litigation in existence. Wondering what they are? Here is a complete guide to legal litigation types.
Business Litigation
Business litigation refers to legal disputes that occur within the business realm. This includes disputes between shareholders, partners, vendors, competing businesses, and the like. In essence, if it involves individuals who are associated with a commercial entity, it’s considered business litigation.
There are all types of business litigation cases that crop up. These run the gamut from trademark infringement cases to breach of contract cases to unfair competition cases and more.
If you’re ever involved in a business litigation case, you need to hire a business litigation lawyer. They’ll guide you through the complex and arduous legal process, all the while providing you with representation in court.
Personal Injury Litigation
Another litigation type is personal injury litigation. This is litigation involving injuries that individuals suffered as a result of someone else. It could include injuries that occurred in auto accidents, injuries that occurred on someone’s property, or injuries that someone suffered in an assault, to name just a few scenarios.
In these cases, the plaintiff is looking for financial compensation as a means of covering medical bills. In some cases, the plaintiff might even seek additional compensation to replace lost wages or account for emotional turmoil.
Again, if you’re going to file a personal injury case, you should utilize the help of an experienced lawyer, a personal injury lawyer, in particular. They’ll know what evidence to show, and will likely help you to reach a settlement of some kind.
Civil Litigation
Civil litigation is a form of litigation in which one person seeks monetary compensation from another person. It covers a wide range of cases, including personal injury cases, financial disputes with a landlord, medical malpractice cases, and more.
The key in civil litigation is that no one risks punishment outside of having to pay money to another person. No one goes to prison as a result of a civil litigation case, nor can they be forced to do community service or serve any other type of punishment.
Patent Litigation
In some cases, a company or individual will use someone else’s idea or intellectual property. This breaks patent law and thus often spurs patent litigation.
The goals of patent litigation can be two-fold. The primary goal is to prevent the defendant from using the patented idea any further. The secondary goal is to obtain financial compensation from the defendant.
If you’re involved in a patent litigation case, regardless of which side you’re on, you should hire a patent lawyer. They’ll provide experienced and knowledgeable legal representation and ensure that you get the best outcome possible.
Divorce Litigation
In situations where ex-spouses can’t settle on a divorce agreement amicably, they’ll enter divorce litigation. This is where they both argue their side and where a judge makes the final decision on who gets what of the couple’s estate. There might also be alimony orders handed down, not to mention child custody orders in cases where they apply.
These cases can be extremely complex. Because they carry such high stakes, they should only be approached with the help of an experienced divorce attorney.
Having a negative outcome in a divorce case could affect you for the rest of your life. So, be sure to put your best foot forward and hire legal representation with a proven track record.
Real Estate Litigation
Maybe someone’s disputing another person’s ownership rights of a building? Perhaps someone is being accused of some sort of negligence during the acquisition of real estate? In any case, if it involves a court case surrounding a real estate issue, it’s considered real estate litigation.
Real estate cases are generally extremely complex. This is due not only to the complex laws and regulations surrounding real estate but due to the close and personal nature of real estate acquisitions also.
There’s no doubt: if you’re entering real estate litigation, you need a real estate lawyer. They’ll have a deep understanding of the laws in your area and will be able to represent you with a great depth of knowledge.
Probate Litigation
Wills and estates carry a great deal of influence, as they have a large effect on how a deceased person’s assets are distributed. Of course, this often leads to disputes. This is where probate litigation comes into the picture.
Probate litigation surrounds cases such as breach of fiduciary duty, trust disputes, will disputes, and the like. These cases typically have a lot of money on the line, and therefore need to be mediated in a court of law.
If ever you find yourself in probate litigation, you’re strongly advised to utilize the services of a probate lawyer. Probate law is highly complex and should only be practiced by those with years of experience. In other words, this is not something to approach on one’s own.
Criminal Litigation
Last, we’re going to discuss criminal litigation. This is when a defendant is tried in a court of law to decide whether or not they are guilty or not guilty.
Criminal cases revolve around all sorts of crimes, from murder to sexual assault to theft to DUI and more. If there’s a defendant being charged by the government, it’s a criminal litigation case.
Are You Facing Litigation?
As you can see, there are many different types of legal litigation. Regardless, however, if you’re facing litigation, it would be wise for you to hire a lawyer who specializes in your case type.
Are you currently facing litigation? Looking for a lawyer in Duluth, MN? If so, Johnson/Turner Legal is the firm to call.
Contact us now to discuss your lawsuit!
