Best Litigation Attorneys in St. Petersburg

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in St. Petersburg, Florida?

  For non-emergency cases, you may reach the St. Petersburg Police Department. Their non-emergency line is 727-893-7780.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in St. Petersburg, Florida?

  You can obtain copies of police reports for incidents related to your case by submitting a public records request at the City of St. Petersburg’s website at https://stpetefl.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(oekvvwsyeoipx1cfccjx340o))/supporthome.aspx.

• What types of cases fall under civil litigation in St. Petersburg?

  Civil litigation in St. Petersburg covers various cases, including administrative litigation; partnership, corporate, and commercial and contract disputes; banking and financial transaction, technology-related, and construction contract disputes; intellectual property theft cases; medical malpractice and negligence cases; and professional malpractice cases. It also includes freedom of speech and press issues, securities litigation, trade secret protection, unfair trust or probate cases, and property sale, foreclosure, and insurance disputes.

• What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in St. Petersburg?

  The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in St. Petersburg, depends on the date of the incident. Prior to March 24, 2023, the deadline was four years from the date of the injury or accident. However, after that date, the time limit was reduced to two years. So, if your accident occurred before March 24, 2023, you have four years to take legal action, but if it happened after that date, you must adhere to the two-year time restraint.

• What are the alternative dispute resolution options available in St. Petersburg?

  In, St. Petersburg there are ADR options such as mediation and arbitration. Mediation involves an impartial mediator helping parties reach a resolution, with the parties in control. The mediator listens to their stories, identifies issues, suggests solutions, and assists in crafting a settlement. Arbitration is a more formal process where an arbitrator decides the dispute after hearing arguments and evidence from both sides. It is less formal than a trial, allowing proofs and arguments but lacks facilitative discussions between parties.

• How does the comparative negligence rule affect civil litigation cases in St. Petersburg?

  The comparative negligence rule in St. Petersburg follows a pure comparative fault system. Under this rule, the injured party can still recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the incident. The amount of compensation they receive is proportional to their percentage of fault in the case. It is important to note that Florida's no-fault insurance rule is separate from the concept of comparative fault in personal injury cases.

• What is the Frye standard in St. Petersburg litigation cases?

  The Frye standard, established from a U.S. Supreme Court case that challenged the admissibility of lie detector tests, sets a criterion for determining the admissibility of expert witness testimony in court. According to this standard, an expert witness's testimony in St. Petersburg can be excluded from evidence if it has not been "generally accepted" and subjected to scrutiny and testing by the scientific community.

• What does a litigation attorney do?

  Litigation attorneys offer comprehensive legal representation before, during, and after litigation—aka the lawsuit. They provide initial consultations, investigate legal issues, draft pleadings, and oversee the discovery process. While litigators often are responsible for negotiating settlements and keeping cases out of court, their main job is presenting facts to a judge or jury at trial. Litigation attorneys also handle appeals and post-trial motions.

• Can an individual or business go to court without a litigation attorney?

  Generally, it’s possible to go to court without hiring a litigation attorney. In fact, lawyers are prohibited from practicing in some small claims courts. However, other cases are nearly impossible to prove without professional assistance. These include medical malpractice claims, wrongful death lawsuits, complex real estate disputes, and employment law cases. When assessing the feasibility of pro se representation, or representing oneself, individuals and businesses should evaluate their ability to develop a strategy, prepare legal documents, and present their case effectively. To prevail, plaintiffs must have a complete understanding of the law, local rules of civil procedure, and the facts of the case.

• What’s the difference between a lawyer and a litigator?

  Litigators, also called trial lawyers, are attorneys who present cases in the courtroom before a judge or jury. They may represent plaintiffs or defendants, including individuals and companies, in civil matters. Litigators investigate lawsuits, facilitate the discovery process, and prepare legal documents. While they may negotiate settlements, they’re equipped to take each case to court to achieve the best outcome for their clients.

• What’s the difference between a lawsuit and litigation?

  A lawsuit is a formal legal action that begins when the plaintiff files a complaint with the court. Litigation is a broad term that describes the entire process of resolving a dispute from sending notice of intent to sue, through pretrial preparations and beyond. It also includes settlement negotiations, courtroom proceedings, and appeals.

• What’s the difference between arbitration, mediation, and litigation?

  Arbitration, mediation, and litigation are three of the most common methods of resolving legal disputes. With arbitration, a case is heard by a panel of individuals called arbitrators who function as judges. In most cases, the parties are bound to the outcome. Mediation is typically a nonbinding process where discussions are facilitated by a single intermediary called a mediator. With litigation, a case is heard in a courtroom before a judge and jury, which is the most costly and time-consuming option, so it’s best suited for disputes that can’t be worked out using alternative methods.

• What is a civil lawsuit?

  A civil lawsuit is a court-based legal dispute between two parties that seeks court intervention and does not include punishment for a crime. While most civil lawsuits seek monetary compensation, they may also involve the pursuit of court action, such as a cease-and-desist order or an injunction. Since the majority of civil lawsuits are settled out of court, the process of pursuing a lawsuit usually begins with negotiations between the two parties. Any lawsuits that are not resolved through a settlement may go to trial and are decided by a judge or jury.

• What is a civil litigation lawyer?

  A civil litigation lawyer is a trial lawyer or litigator who specializes in handling all of the procedures involved in filing a civil lawsuit. Litigation is the process of resolving legal disputes between two parties, including before, during, and after a civil trial. A civil litigation lawyer may represent the person filing the lawsuit or the person being sued.

• What is a pre-litigation attorney?

  Because most civil lawsuits are resolved between the two parties, a pre-litigation attorney is any civil litigation attorney that can facilitate negotiations or a settlement prior to any legal action being taken. Some disputes may be settled through mediation, arbitration, or agreements and don't require any further legal action after a settlement has been reached.

• What does a commercial litigator do?

  A commercial litigator is a civil litigation attorney who specializes in disputes that involve companies rather than individuals. Commercial litigation is usually much more complicated than legal disputes between individuals and typically filed in the federal rather than the state court system. Commercial litigators also handle employment disputes between companies and individuals who are workers.

• How can I file a lawsuit against a company?

  Although you could file a lawsuit on your own, it's better to consult with a civil litigation attorney that's experienced in resolving disputes and negotiating settlements. The first step in filing a lawsuit should involve communication with the company in an attempt to reach an agreement. An experienced attorney is in a better position to reach a settlement that's in your best interest. Because lawsuits involve numerous steps, including filing motions, discovery, and other legal proceedings, you are better off working with an experienced professional rather than attempting to navigate the legal system on your own.