Understanding the Types of Civil Litigation

One of the most common questions we hear is: What makes civil litigation different from criminal cases? To put it simply, criminal cases involve the government prosecuting individuals for breaking the law, while civil litigation happens when individuals or businesses seek compensation or dispute resolution. In this blog, we'll dive into several types of civil litigation cases that frequently occur.

Property Disputes

Property disputes can arise from disagreements over property boundaries, ownership claims, or land use. For instance, neighbors might disagree over the correct boundary line between their properties, or disputes can arise over the rightful inheritor of property after an estate division. Such conflicts can lead to time-consuming and costly litigation if not resolved amicably.

Contract Disputes

Contract disputes occur when one party fails to uphold their contractual obligations. Common causes include unclear terms, financial difficulties, fraud, or misrepresentation. A frequent example would be a service provider not delivering on promises as per the contractual agreement, leading the other party to seek legal recourse.

Torts

Tort cases involve claims of harm due to negligence or intentional wrongdoing. These include personal injury claims, where the injured party seeks damages due to another's negligence, medical malpractice suits against healthcare providers, or even defamation lawsuits. Each tort case revolves around proving that the actions of one party have unlawfully harmed another.

Class Action Cases

Class action cases allow a group of individuals to sue a defendant collectively. These cases often involve defective products, environmental hazards, or corporate negligence. They have significant impacts, potentially leading to substantial settlements that enforce corporate accountability and change harmful practices, benefiting individuals and society at large.

Complaints Against the Government

In some cases, individuals or groups file lawsuits against government entities. These might stem from disputes over eminent domain, where the government claims ownership over private land for public use, or challenges to specific regulatory decisions perceived as harmful. Such cases often delve into constitutional rights and administrative law.

Understanding civil litigation is crucial, whether you're a business owner, property holder, or an individual affected by another party’s actions. If you find yourself involved in a civil dispute, seeking legal advice from a civil litigation attorney can make all the difference. Having expert guidance equips you to navigate complex legal waters and secure your interests.