Best Litigation Attorneys in Plano

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency cases, you may contact the Plano Police Department at 972-424-5678.

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

  To obtain copies of police reports in Plano, you have several options for submitting your request. You can visit Police Headquarters at 909 14th Street or the Joint Use Facility at 7501-A Independence Parkway in person. Alternatively, you can submit a request via fax to 972-941-2191 or use the electronic form available for this purpose. Note that requests are not accepted by telephone.

• How long do you have to file a civil lawsuit in Plano?

  In Plano, the statute of limitations varies by claim type: one year for libel, slander, and malicious prosecution, two years for personal injury and related cases, and four years for debt, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, or contract breach. It is important to note that meeting these deadlines is crucial, as missing them may lead to case dismissal and the loss of your right to pursue legal action for your claim.

• Can you represent yourself in a litigation case in Plano?

  In Plano, you have the option to represent yourself in a litigation case. However, it is essential to consider whether this is the best course of action. While you might believe your case is straightforward, it is crucial to recognize that there may be aspects of the law that you are unaware of, potentially jeopardizing your interests in the long term.

• Can you seek a restraining order or injunction in Plano to protect yourself from harm during a pending litigation case?

  In Plano, if you are facing potential harm during a pending litigation case, you may seek a restraining order or injunction from the court. These orders aim to maintain the status quo and prevent irreparable harm to the protected party. To obtain a preliminary injunction, you must demonstrate a clear equitable or legal right, a rational fear of an immediate invasion of that right, and that the facts in question are causing or will lead to significant actual harm.

• How do you file a lawsuit in Plano?

  To initiate a lawsuit in Plano, gather all pertinent documents and information related to your case, including contracts, agreements, and the names and addresses of involved parties. Contact the appropriate Justice Court to ensure you file in the correct jurisdiction and inquire about filing fees, necessary details, and the specific procedure to follow. Seek guidance from the court clerk, who can provide an instruction sheet tailored to the court's requirements. Alternatively, consider e-filing your lawsuit through the EFILETEXAS self-help platform.

• Do you need to serve the defendant in a litigation case in Plano?

  In a litigation case in Plano, it is necessary to serve the defendant; the court will issue a citation, which serves as a notice to the defendant that they are being sued. To accomplish this, the petition and citation must be delivered to the defendant. This can be achieved through certified mail, registered mail, or in-person service. If the service is conducted by mail, it is crucial to request a return receipt to ensure proper documentation of the delivery.

• 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.