Best Litigation Attorneys in Long Beach

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Long Beach, California?

  For non-emergency cases, you may contact the Long Beach Police Department. Their non-emergency line is (562) 435-6711.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Long Beach, California?

  You may obtain a copy of police reports for incidents related to your litigation case by submitting a public records request at https://longbeachcapd.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(z2qmqtlonoydbgqjyl1jzfyd))/RequestLogin.aspx?sSessionID=&rqst=3&target=YpURA3m6cNU+N1K9kEqQhp4w8JLKMrChQHc4Hex7IQLmYfl8hnJgXQNaK/3Av2E27tzlQPSgGKCCTKC9l8PPRO2E4BxtjyHZJhs4GsMxRoxSG0jiJGiqU3LW7sa6+sBg. You may also submit a completed form either by mail or in-person to Long Beach Police Department, 400 West Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802, ATTN: RECORDS DIVISION.

• What alternative dispute resolution methods are available in Long Beach?

  The available alternative dispute resolution methods in Long Beach vary based on the unique circumstances of each case. These methods include negotiation, where the parties directly communicate to find a resolution; mediation, which involves a neutral mediator guiding discussions and negotiations; arbitration, where a neutral arbitrator or panel reviews evidence and renders a decision; and neutral evaluation, where a neutral third party evaluates the dispute.

• What are the statutes of limitations for filing a lawsuit in Long Beach?

  Long Beach's statutes of limitations vary for different cases. Personal injury cases have a two-year deadline (or one year from discovery). Breach of written contracts must be filed within four years, and oral contracts within two years. Property damage disputes must be filed within three years. Claims against government agencies must be filed within six months (or one year in some cases) of the incident, with strict court time limits. Some crimes, like murder, have no statute of limitations.

• Can you seek an injunction to stop someone from continuing harmful actions in Long Beach?

  In Long Beach, you can seek injunctions to stop harmful actions through TROs, preliminary injunctions, and permanent injunctions. TROs prevent irreparable harm and last until a preliminary injunction hearing, while preliminary injunctions maintain the status quo until the case's conclusion. If there is an ongoing threat, a permanent injunction can be issued to prohibit the harmful action indefinitely. Note that injunctions and restraining orders are only available in the context of an ongoing lawsuit.

• Can you request mediation for your Long Beach litigation case?

  No, participation in civil mediation is entirely optional in Long Beach. Although judicial officers may recommend it as a quicker and more cost-effective way to resolve disputes, they cannot enforce participation. If you are not comfortable with mediation, you have the right to terminate the process at any point.

• Can you file a personal injury lawsuit in Long Beach if you are partly at fault for the accident?

  Yes. In Long Beach, you can file a personal injury lawsuit even if you are partially at fault for the accident. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means you may still be entitled to compensation. A judge and jury will assess the percentage of fault attributed to you and subtract that percentage from the final verdict in your case.

• 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.