Best Litigation Lawyers in Fort Wayne, IN

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fort Wayne, Indiana?

  For non-emergency situations, call 260-427-1222 to reach the Fort Wayne response team.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Fort Wayne, Indiana?

  Incident reports can be obtained from the Fort Wayne Police Department, located at 1 E. Main Street, Suite 108 Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Involved parties are required to present a valid ID to obtain these reports.

• What is the burden of proof for a civil litigation claim in Fort Wayne?

  Plaintiffs pursuing civil litigation claims in Fort Wayne must establish the other party's negligence by providing evidence in order to protect their legal rights and recover damages. Litigation attorneys can help victims prove the amount of damages they are owed, including repair costs and medical bills. In Fort Wayne, they can also gather documentary evidence, such as CCTV footage and witness statements, to establish that the sustained damages or injuries were caused by the at-fault party's actions.

• How long does the litigation process for personal injury law cases take in Fort Wayne?

  Personal injury law cases in Fort Wayne typically take one to three years to resolve. However, the length of the litigation process may vary depending on a number of factors, including the case's complexity, whether it involves Traumatic Brain Injury or Wrongful Death, and the number of cases in the Fort Wayne jurisdiction. The amount of damages may also influence the process; for example, personal injury law claims worth $10,000 may be resolved more quickly than those worth $1 million.

• When is the deadline for filing a lawsuit against medical practitioners in Fort Wayne?

  In Fort Wayne, victims of medical negligence, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or prescription mistakes, have two years from the date of the alleged injury to file a claim. Children aged six and under, on the other hand, must wait until they are eight years old to file a medical malpractice claim in Fort Wayne. Those who discovered their injury after the two-year period had passed without fault are given an extension to file their medical malpractice claim.

• Who can represent defendants who are financially unable to hire a litigation attorney in Fort Wayne?

  Financially challenged defendants in Fort Wayne have the right to appointed counsel, which means that the Court will appoint a litigation attorney with a contract with the Union Circuit Court to represent them. If the defendant posts a bond, the appointed litigation attorney must notify the Court in order for their services to be reimbursed. If the appointed attorney is unable or unwilling to handle the case, the Court will appoint a litigation attorney willing to accept pauper claims.

• Do defendants have the right to request a trial by jury in Fort Wayne?

  Defendants in Fort Wayne may request a jury trial. They have 10 days from the date they receive the notice of claim to submit a written request to the Court. Defendants in Fort Wayne who want a jury trial must pay an additional fee to the Clerk in order for the case to be transferred to the Marion Small Claims Court. In addition, once granted, the request cannot be withdrawn without the consent of the other party or parties.

• 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.