Top Portland, OR Litigation & Appeals Lawyers Near You

Do You Have a Civil Litigation Problem?

Civil litigation is the broad term used to cover the legal issues involved with civil legal disputes, which can end up as lawsuits. If you or your company has a dispute with someone else, seeking the advice of a Portland civil litigation attorney can save you time and money.

Types of Matters Litigated Civilly

Civil litigation differs from Criminal cases in that it deals with disputes between people that do not involve evaluating a crime. Civil disputes can include business problems, breach of contract, personal injury, and more.

Civil litigation occurs when one party (the plaintiff) initiates a civil lawsuit in court against another party (the defendant). Every State, city and municipality may differ in how they handle certain litigation procedures. The key elements of a civil litigation case include a complaint establishing the harm caused by the defendant, response to the complaint, pleading, discovery, trial and possibly an appeal.

When to Hire a Lawyer

It is in your best interest to get legal help early on in addressing your situation. There are times when hiring a lawyer quickly is critical to your case, such as if you are charged with a crime. It may also be in your best interest to have a lawyer review the fine print before signing legal documents. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered a serious injury. For issues where money or property is at stake, having a lawyer guide you through the complexities of the legal system can save you time, hassle, and possibly a lot of grief in the long run.

The Importance of a Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

In general, how much an attorney costs will often depend on these four factors: billing method and pricing structure, type of legal work performed, law firm prestige, and attorney experience. Depending on the legal issue you are facing, an attorney may bill you by the hour, settle on a flat fee, or enter into a contingency fee agreement. The type of legal work you need help with will also play a role in cost incurred.

Common legal terms explained

Affidavit – A sworn written statement made under oath. An affidavit is meant to be a supporting document to the court assisting in the verification of certain facts. An affidavit may or may not require notarization.