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Should
I hire a lawyer?
Depending on
the seriousness of the matter, it may be important
get a lawyer involved as early as possible, as
frequently a lawyer can help you achieve the results
that you want. This is particularly important
in an accident case, as the other side’s
insurance company has far more information than
you do, and may take advantage of you.
Even in commercial
disputes, getting a lawyer involved early can
help the parties keep perspective so that a simple
matter does not get blown up out of all proportion.
A good lawyer can keep you from making concessions
that would hurt your case if you can not amicably
settle, prevent critical evidence from getting
"lost," witnesses from changing their
mind, and avoid conduct that can land you in trouble,
or expose you to dangers you had not considered. |
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A controversy before a court or a "lawsuit"
is commonly referred to as “litigation.” If it is not
settled by agreement between the parties, it would eventually be
heard and decided by a judge or jury in a court. Litigation is one
way that people and companies resolve disputes arising out of an
infinite variety of factual circumstances.
The term "litigation" is sometimes to
distinguish lawsuits from “alternate dispute resolution”
methods, such as "arbitration" in which a private arbitrator
would make the decision, or “mediation” which is a type
of structured meeting with the parties and an independent third
party who works to help them fashion an agreement among themselves. |
