Best Litigation Lawyers in Arlington, VA

FAQs

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

  The Arlington County Police Department can be notified about non-emergencies at 703-558-2222.

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

  To get a copy of police records, check if the document you need can be requested online. Go to this link: https://secure.coplogic.com/rar/startrequest/200000572. This database allows you to download a police report after making an online payment. If the document you need is unavailable, call the Office of Records in Arlington at 703-228-4292 or send an email to ACPDRecords@arlingtonva.us to ask for assistance. You can also make an in-person request at 1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 2100.

• Why should you respond immediately if someone in Arlington files a civil case against you?

  If an Arlington resident sues you, you must protect your legal rights with urgency because you only have 21 days to do so, according to Virginia Rule 3:8. Your response can come in the form of a plea, demurrer, or motion to initiate various actions, such as to dismiss the case or demand supporting documents from the plaintiff. If you fail to respond to a complaint immediately, you could lose the case by default.

• Does a client have to pay if the Arlington litigation attorney charges on a contingency basis?

  It depends on the lawyer’s judgment. In general, attorneys who take cases on contingency do not charge fees from their clients unless they win in court or get a settlement. However, there are litigators in Arlington who might ask for payment to cover the expenses of handling the case, whether they win or lose.

• How can a litigator in Arlington help your business collect from bankrupt debtors?

  A litigation attorney in Arlington can file certain documents, such as proofs of claim and motions for automatic stay relief, to help you collect payment from debtors declaring bankruptcy. These documents will prove to the court that you have a right to demand payment. On your behalf, a litigator can also object to discharging specific debts and assert repossession rights to debtors’ properties.

• Can you collect damages from another driver in Arlington for a road accident in which you are also at fault?

  Unfortunately, you cannot expect to collect damages in this situation. Even if the other driver in Arlington was primarily to blame, Virginia law forbids you to obtain compensation if you are also at fault, however minimal. Unlike in other states where damages are adjusted based on the percentage of fault, Virginia follows shared or contributory negligence rules.

• Who can you sue for a defective product in Arlington?

  Numerous parties can be held accountable for a defective product in Arlington. The fault may lie with the designer or engineer who let the defect pass. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers might have been negligent when creating the product or checking it for safety before selling it to you. You can also sue marketing firms if they include false information in their advertising. A personal injury litigator can help you in this complex process of tracing liability.

• 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.