Best Litigation Attorneys in Worcester

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Worcester Police Department is 508-799-8600.

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

  You can get copies of police reports for incidents related to your case by submitting an online request at https://worcesterma.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(5islcglcgimq0xg3lpnydhrl))/supporthome.aspx.

• Do you always have to go to court when you have a legal dispute in Worcester?

  While litigation is an option, some attorneys in Worcester offer alternative dispute resolution services alongside traditional representation. These attorneys handle the same kinds of cases, such as construction, commercial, or employment law issues. They guide you and your opposition through mediation or arbitration proceedings out of court and can still advocate for you should these methods prove ineffective.

• What does it mean when a court in Worcester holds you in civil contempt?

  Being held in civil contempt means that you did not follow a court order, such as child support or custody agreements, and that a court in Worcester is imposing quasi-criminal punishments against you. A complaint must be raised to the court for you to be held in civil contempt. The complainant must prove that you had a court-enforced duty to fulfill, that the duty came with an unambiguous court order, and that you breached this duty willingly.

• What can you do when the person you are suing gives noncommital answers to your allegations in in Worcester?

  In Worcester, you or your attorney can move to strike the response as offensive and have your opponent deemed admitted before the court so that you can proceed with your lawsuit. Alternatively, you can reach out to your opponent and request them to fix their response, asking them for a conclusive statement of admission or denial to your allegations.

• If you have conclusive evidence, can you request a Worcester court to dismiss a lawsuit early?

  A court in Worcester cannot dismiss a case at an early stage because state laws require both sides to have equal opportunities in a trial, including presenting and refuting evidence. However, you can still ask for your case to be dismissed at a later stage.

• How can you determine what claims to raise in a civil action in Worcester?

  You should study your claims to determine if the elements are present and can be supported by available evidence before bringing them to a court in Worcester. Legal counsel can assist you in determining the viability of each of your claims, what evidence can and cannot be used for each claim, and what downsides come with raising too many claims in a single lawsuit.

• 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.