Best Litigation Lawyers in Cleveland, OH

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number of the Cleveland Division of Police is 216.621.1234.

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

  To get a copy of police reports for related incidents in Cleveland, you can submit a request online or in person to the Cleveland Division of Police. The online request form can be accessed here: https://clevelandoh.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(4p4o2zjpkyi5rbsyndgz5vav))/supporthome.aspx

• How much money can you recover from a class action lawsuit in Cleveland?

  The amount of money that can be collected in a Cleveland class action case is determined by the verdict or settlement. It is also affected by the number of clients who took part in the lawsuit. It can range from a few hundred thousand to millions of dollars. However, charges such as attorney and expert fees must be paid from the money recovered from the defendant.

• How do you file a small claim in Cleveland?

  To file a small claims action in Cleveland, you must submit a complaint form together with the military affidavit to the Cleveland Clerk of Courts. While it is not required to have an attorney when filing a small claims case, it is nonetheless advised that you do so because filing one alone indicates you accept full responsibility for the claim.

• In Cleveland, how long do you have to respond to a counterclaim?

  According to Ohio Civil.R. 12, unless the ruling instructs otherwise, you only have 28 days following the service of the answer or order to respond to a counterclaim in Cleveland. Your response must be submitted to the Clerk of Court at the Cuyahoga County Courthouse. To avoid any ramifications, it is best to prepare and deliver a response right away.

• What happens if someone dies when there is an ongoing lawsuit in Cleveland?

  If someone dies during the course of a case in Cleveland, whether the plaintiff or the defendant, they will be substituted under Ohio Civ.R. 25. The representatives or successors of the dead party may file a move for substitution. If multiple people died during the course of an action, the lawsuit will still proceed with the surviving plaintiffs and defendants.

• Can you file a lawsuit against a government entity in Cleveland?

  The Ohio Court of Claims Act states that you cannot sue a government entity in Cleveland due to immunity unless the government consents to be sued or the immunity has been waived. Contact a lawyer to discuss your options. Note that the Department of Law Services handles disputes against the city and various forms of complaints in Cleveland.

• 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.