Best Litigation Lawyers in Grand Prairie, TX

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Grand Prairie, Texas?

  For non-emergency situations, you may reach the Grand Prairie Police Department at 972-237-8790.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Grand Prairie, Texas?

  To obtain copies of police reports for incidents relevant to your case in Grand Prairie, you can submit Open Records requests through the Grand Prairie Police website at https://www.grandprairiepolice.org/Services/Records/Request-Police-Records#panel-1-1. Additionally, you have the option to request open records in person at the Grand Prairie Police Department Records Division, located on the 2nd Floor of 1525 Arkansas Lane, Grand Prairie, TX 75052.

• How do you file a lawsuit in Grand Prairie?

  In Grand Prairie, you can file a lawsuit by submitting a complaint to the appropriate court handling civil trials. The complaint outlines all the allegations made by the plaintiff against the defendant or the party being sued. Usually, though not always, the conclusion of the complaint will include a "prayer for relief." This request outlines the specific actions the plaintiff seeks from the court to address the harm allegedly caused by the defendant.

• What are the statutes of limitations for filing civil lawsuits in Grand Prairie?

  In Grand Prairie, the statutes of limitations for civil claims are detailed in the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 16. Some common examples include one-year statutes for libel, slander, and malicious prosecution; two-year statutes for personal injury, property damage, wrongful death, and trespass cases; and four-year statutes for breach of fiduciary duty, certain debt collection claims, fraud, specific performance of a contract for real property conveyance, breach of contract, and claims with no other specified statute.

• Are there any small claims courts in Grand Prairie for minor disputes?

  Yes. In Grand Prairie, small claims courts, commonly referred to as "Justice Courts," offer a less formal and more simple venue for resolving disputes concerning smaller amounts, typically $20,000 or less. Justice Courts can handle cases involving damages up to $20,000, but their jurisdiction is limited to awarding monetary compensation; they cannot compel parties to take specific actions.

• Can you get a court-appointed attorney for your civil litigation case in Grand Prairie if you cannot afford one?

  In a criminal case, individuals in Grand Prairie who cannot afford legal representation may be provided with a court-appointed attorney. However, in a civil litigation case, which involves disputes between private parties, those without financial means will need to find alternative ways to secure legal representation, such as seeking limited-scope representation or representing themselves.

• Does Grand Prairie follow a "no-fault" insurance system for car accidents?

  Grand Prairie does not adhere to a "no-fault" insurance system for car accidents. Instead, it follows an "at-fault" or "tort" system. In this system, the individual responsible for the car accident is liable for covering the injuries and property damage suffered by others involved in the accident. Unlike no-fault states, drivers in Texas have the option to file lawsuits to seek compensation for basic medical expenses after an accident.

• 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.