Civil lawsuits are legal actions that settle disputes between businesses or individuals concerning monetary or personal injury, allowing a plaintiff to seek damages. While many of these disputes are settled out of court through mediation or negotiation, some cases will progress through the court system to be determined by a judge or jury. Multiple stages of action are involved in the civil process, leading some to shy away from filing a lawsuit to seek damages.
Working with an experienced Michigan civil litigation lawyer removes the barriers many face in taking legal action, providing a path for compensation. White Law PLLC is committed to helping Michigan residents navigate the civil litigation path to help clients recover financially from loss. We will walk you through the stages of a lawsuit to provide answers about the timelines that apply to your specific situation, providing a sense of ease and understanding.
The Type of Lawsuit Is a Significant Determiner of Time
Unfortunately, no blanket statement covers how long a civil lawsuit takes in Michigan. First, a civil litigation lawyer in Michigan must determine the type of civil litigation to pursue and then the statute of limitations that apply. Civil litigation can include the following cases:
- Personal injury
- Injury to personal property
- Wrongful death
- Civil Rights litigation
- Environmental litigation
The statute of limitations for civil litigation spans three to ten years, depending on the case. The lawsuit process does not begin until the appropriate documents are filed. Years may be added to completing a Michigan civil lawsuit when action is not taken immediately.
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The Choice of Civil Litigation Attorney Is a Factor
Choosing an experienced Michigan civil litigation attorney affects how long a civil lawsuit takes. Their knowledge and ability to pull together the facts supporting a case, gather witnesses, and work with expert witnesses when necessary sets the course for how smoothly a case progresses.
As mentioned, most civil litigation cases are settled before going to court, and a civil litigation attorney in Michigan skilled at negotiation will likely be able to find a point of agreement with the defendant and their attorneys. However, there are instances where negotiation is not possible, and a strategy must be developed before going to court to achieve the best outcome possible.
Being prepared for the next step means having a team on your side committed to responding when a course of action is necessary. Because of the complexity of these cases and unique circumstances, choosing a communicative civil litigation lawyer takes the pressure off a client because your attorney understands your needs. This attention to detail allows a client to be present in their life while someone works on their behalf, as long as necessary, for the best outcome.
The Complexity of a Case Impacts Civil Litigation
Civil cases can vary vastly in how complicated they are. Proving negligence requires documentation and records supporting a claim to be compiled, establishing the essential elements needed in a negligence case. Solid documentation also significantly impacts the amount of compensation that can be recovered.
Some civil cases involve multiple parties. The amount of evidence to be presented will impact the time it takes for a Michigan civil lawsuit. Complex legal situations can require the assistance of expert witnesses to explain processes and information to provide a better understanding to a jury.
Complex cases can lead to a jury debating a case for extended periods. Having each jury member able to reach an agreement without lengthy debate can depend on the ability of a team to take the information in a case and weave a convincing narrative together that leaves little room for doubt. A jury or judge must be able to come to a conclusion based on what is presented, which reinforces the need for representation by an experienced trial attorney with White Law PLLC.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Location Impacts How Long a Civil Case Takes
How long a civil case takes is out of the hands of attorneys after a certain point and is dependent on other variables impacting a case. Many Michigan residents rely on the Community Dispute Resolution Program (CDRP) to seek resolutions to disagreements. This flexible form of working through grievances assisted by a Michigan civil litigation attorney provides a more flexible controlled environment as opposed to a court case impacted by the following variables:
- Weather events and illness impact whether court can be held
- A court’s caseload can impact progress
- The judge assigned to the case
Working with a court’s schedule requires flexibility and becomes a full-time job during the days and weeks a case takes to complete. Understanding the Michigan civil suit process helps clients set realistic expectations about the time frame involved in civil actions. Knowing the options available to a client allows more control in the decision-making process from start to finish.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Liability Is Questionable
Civil cases that may leave room to question who is liable may lead to both parties providing robust cases. Each party is allowed the chance to offer supporting evidence, which can take considerable time depending on how in-depth each legal team goes. Trial experience lends to a case’s completion in a more efficient timeframe.
Neither party is required to negotiate and settle a claim. However, an effective civil litigation lawyer in Michigan may be able to seek a more timely resolution by providing unquestionable documentation for a civil case. When a plaintiff meets the burden of proof by documenting a civil case from the start, the evidence will likely remain intact and leave no question of liability.
White Law PLLC values your time and strives for the best outcome in each client’s case. For this reason, we review cases to ensure their strength should a case go to court. We are willing to go the distance for our clients, no matter how long a case takes.
Speak with a Michigan Civil Litigation Attorney
White Law PLLC provides honest answers to tough questions. We cannot definitively answer how long a civil litigation case in Michigan will take. But we will work efficiently to provide the best outcome possible and begin the process by offering a free consultation to discuss your injuries.
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