Best Litigation Lawyers in Omaha

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Omaha, Nebraska?

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Omaha is (402) 444-4877.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Omaha, Nebraska?

  To request a copy of a police report in Omaha, you may reach out to the Records Manager at (402) 444-5600 or write to 505 S. 15th St., Omaha, NE 68102, addressing it to the Records Manager. For walk-in requests, it is advisable to call in advance since the precinct front desk hours may vary. Central Headquarters operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.

• Does the trial continue even if the defendant in Omaha has not been served with a copy of the complaint?

  No, the case is automatically dismissed or terminated by operation of law if a defendant in Omaha who is listed in the action is not served with a summons and a copy of the complaint within six months or within one hundred eighty days of the date the complaint is filed, per Nebraska Revised Statute 25-217. The dismissal is without cause and takes effect the day after the period of employment has ended.

• How long until a civil case in Omaha goes to trial?

  The amount of time it takes for an issue to proceed to trial varies depending on dismissal, summary judgment, and trial. The district court for Omaha-based Douglas County has a total of 16 judges, which is not sufficient given the volume of cases the court handles. As a result, judges will be busy, and there may be delays.

• Does small claims court in Omaha require attorneys to represent complainants?

  Omaha allows people to represent themselves without the need for an attorney. This is due to the fact that small claims court only deals with non-criminal matters such as conflicts about financial debts, property damage, and other minor difficulties. It also only handles disputes and claims involving small sums of money.

• How much time does a defendant have to reply to a complaint in Omaha?

  Upon receiving the summons and complaint or upon the completion of service by publication, the defendant in Omaha is required to serve an answer within a specific timeframe, which is usually set at 30 days. The answer is a formal response in which the defendant addresses the allegations made in the complaint.

• Who are the people involved in a courtroom trial in Omaha?

  In a courtroom trial in Omaha, the key figures include the judge, the litigant, the plaintiff, the defendant, and the prosecutor. Alongside them are the witnesses, jurors, and court interpreters. These individuals play crucial roles in ensuring the fair and orderly conduct of the trial and the pursuit of justice.

• 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.