Best Litigation Attorneys in Oklahoma City

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency number for the Oklahoma City Police Department is (405) 231-2121.

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

  To obtain a copy of the police report for your case in Oklahoma City, you can call the number (405) 297-1112 to request the report directly. Another option is to complete and submit the records request form which can be found on the Oklahoma City website, www.okc.gov.

• What is the first thing you should do upon receiving a civil case summons in Oklahoma City?

  In Oklahoma City, if someone receives a civil case summons from the District Court, they must respond within 20 days. Their response can be an Answer to the Petition or another legal action like a motion to dismiss. This step is just the beginning of the lawsuit, which could later involve discovery, summary judgment, pre-trial conferences, and possibly a trial.

• What are the common types of cases handled by litigation attorneys in Oklahoma City?

  Common cases handled by litigation attorneys in Oklahoma City encompass private matters in civil law where individuals seek compensation for harm. These could involve injuries inflicted on a person or instances where one has been deprived of business or property. An Oklahoma City civil litigation attorney typically deals with personal injury cases and business or property loss disputes.

• How much does it cost to hire a litigation attorney in Oklahoma City?

  In Oklahoma City, litigation attorneys' fees fluctuate, hinging mainly on their level of expertise. These professionals generally bill at an hourly mean rate of $412. Yet, the spectrum of charges can extend from as low as $233 to upwards of $591, depending on their proficiency. This cost range characterizes the financial commitment necessary to enlist legal aid for civil disputes.

• What should an individual in Oklahoma City do when a dispute arises over a deceased person's estate?

  When problems over an estate plan arise in Oklahoma City, it is critical that the parties involved seek the advice of an experienced trust and estate litigation attorney. Typically, disagreements arise between trustees and beneficiaries or executors and heirs. An attorney is essential in laying out all potential legal avenues to ensure that no legal privileges are lost. In the midst of such difficulties, their position is critical for securing the family's future.

• How does a jury trial process work in Oklahoma City?

  In Oklahoma City, a jury trial begins with the State presenting its evidence, followed by the defendant. A defendant can opt to present no evidence. If the case proceeds, the rebuttal and surrebuttal cases are presented. Conviction necessitates the jury's unanimous decision of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, typically equating to 95%-100% certainty. A not guilty verdict concludes the case, while a guilty verdict advances to sentencing.

• 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.