If you were wronged by another party, you have the right to pursue compensation for all resulting damages. Before you can secure a payout, however, you must navigate complicated legal proceedings. Thankfully, a seasoned civil litigation lawyer can help. In the meantime, here’s a brief guide to the process so you know what to expect. 

Commencing the Proceedings 

Every civil suit begins with the initial petition. A civil litigation lawyer can help you prepare this complaint and file it with all appropriate parties, including the Clerk of Court. You will also have to serve the defendant with a copy of the petition. 

The defendant then has a certain amount of time in which to respond to your complaint. If he or she fails to submit a written response before the deadline passes, it’s known as a default, and the case will likely be resolved in your favor. Otherwise, though, you’ll both proceed with the discovery stage. 

Building a Winning Case

Civil suits are often won—and lost—during the discovery stage. At this point, both the plaintiff and defendant have the opportunity to gather evidence that will strengthen their respective claims. Although the burden of proof in a civil suit is considerably lower than that in a criminal case, it remains on the shoulders of the plaintiff.

In other words, if you were the one who filed the initial complaint, it’s up to you to prove why you’re entitled to some kind of payout. Naturally, the strongest evidence will depend on the specific circumstances. A civil litigation lawyer will have the resources to gather all kinds of proof so you can enter court with confidence. 

Going to Trial 

At any point during discovery, the parties can negotiate for a settlement they both find satisfactory. However, if they're unable to arrive at a compromise, the case will eventually go to trial. Since going before a judge or jury essentially means surrendering all control over the proceedings, most civil suits are resolved prior to court. In the event that you do end up going to trial, though, a resourceful attorney will help you prepare and ultimately protect your best interests every step of the way. 

If you want to file a civil suit in Georgia, turn to Jerry F. Lee Attorney at Law for guidance. Practicing out of Cleveland, this civil litigation lawyer has nearly four decades of experience in the legal field. He knows what it takes to secure satisfactory settlements and verdicts in all kinds of civil suits, including those involving personal injury, wrongful death, and breach of contract. He is also a strategic criminal defense attorney who has helped clients fight a wide range of charges. To schedule your initial consultation, call (706) 219-2460. To explore his many practice areas, visit his website.