What are typical stages in a matter that goes to litigation?

THE INITIAL DEMAND — Typically there is a dispute and one party will make a more or less informal “demand” of the other, who will then send a “response”. This may lead to informal discussions. A lawyer can help you assess whether what you are requesting or offering is realistic, and help you avoid making admissions that can hurt you if you can’t agree on terms.

THE LAWYER’S LETTER — If the principals can’t work things out among themselves, one party usually has an attorney send a “lawyer’s letter”. While there may not be any legal significance to a lawyer’s letter, it usually gets a serious response from the other side, which may have been ignoring you. In some states it is necessary to make a formal demand before you can file suit, and the lawyer’s letter should do that for you.

THE PRE-LITIGATION SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS –There often is an informal “pre-litigation settlement discussion” involving the parties and their lawyers. Sometimes all it takes is a letter and phone call to straighten things out, particularly if the other side sees that you are serious.

FORMAL SUIT OR DEMAND FOR ARBITRATION — If the informal attempts at resolution fail, formal action may be started, either by “filing suit” or a “demand for arbitration”. The formal litigation is underway. There are strict time limits requiring that actions be taken within a set time frame or your right to sue may be barred by the “statute of limitations”.

THE ANSWER – Once the other party is “served” with legal process, it must provide its formal “Answer” within a prescribed time frame, or “default” and lose its case.

DISCOVERY — Litigation may involve “pre-trial discovery” in which one or both parties attempt to get evidence as to what happened, perhaps by taking the testimony of witnesses, or examining documents or physical evidence.

MOTIONS — In litigation either side may make “motions” to try to narrow the issues, or compel the other side to do something, or even to have the court or arbitrator decide the matter without the need for a trial, as if all the facts are agreed to and only the application of the law to the facts is at issue.

JUDGE’S PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE — Before a trial the court or (in a large case) the arbitrator will typically order a “pre-trial conference” to narrow issues down still further, and perhaps to get the parties to agree to a settlement.

THE TRIAL — Then comes the “trial”, either by a judge alone, or with a jury to decide the facts and the judge to decide the law. In arbitration the “trial” is called a “hearing”. By the way, despite the OJ trials, most trials are relatively dull, and only the parties, their attorneys, the witnesses and the judge and jury are present.

THE JUDGMENT — After the trial the court will “enter judgment” such as “The plaintiff is entitled to recover $15,420.” In an arbitration the arbitrator will issue an “award” and the victorious party will go to court for “confirmation of the award”.

POST TRIAL MOTIONS AND APPEALS — There may be “post-trial motions” in which the losing party tries to convince the original judge that something else is appropriate, perhaps more money, or added relief. After that, there may be an appeal by the losing party to a higher court. An arbitration award is much more difficult to appeal than a court’s decision.

COLLECTING THE JUDGMENT — The victorious party may have received a judgment stating what he or she is entitled to recover. Then it is his or her job to collect the “judgment”. Collecting judgments can be difficult, especially if the defendant’s assets are not easily located, or exempt from claims of creditors, as everyone is learning from the OJ civil case.

Case Studies: Navigating Litigation and Insurance Coverage

Case Study 1: Pre-Litigation Settlement Discussions

In a business dispute between Charlie and Bravo, Charlie makes a formal demand to Bravo for payment of outstanding invoices. Bravo refuses to pay, leading to a breakdown in negotiations. Charlie’s attorney sends a lawyer’s letter, emphasizing the legal claims and potential consequences if the matter proceeds to litigation.

The lawyer’s letter prompts Bravo to take the dispute more seriously and reopens the lines of communication. Charlie has commercial liability insurance from AllSafe Insurance in place, which covers legal expenses. This insurance coverage helps Charlie manage the costs associated with the lawyer’s letter and potential litigation.

Case Study 2: Formal Suit and Discovery

In another scenario, Delta sues Yankee for breach of contract. Delta alleges that Yankee failed to deliver goods according to the terms of the agreement, causing financial losses. Yankee files its formal Answer, denying the allegations and asserting counterclaims against Delta.

The case moves into the discovery phase, where both parties gather evidence, interview witnesses, and request documents. Delta has comprehensive general liability insurance from Reliable Insurers that includes coverage for contractual disputes. This insurance coverage assists Delta in managing the costs of discovery, including legal fees and document production.

Case Study 3: Trial and Post-Trial Motions

A personal injury case involves Zulu suing a large corporation, Delta, for injuries sustained in a workplace accident. The case proceeds to trial, where both parties present their evidence and arguments. The jury finds Delta liable and awards substantial damages to Zulu.

Delta’s legal team files post-trial motions, seeking to reduce the damages awarded. Zulu has personal injury insurance coverage from SecureLife Insurance, which helps cover legal expenses and potential damages. This insurance coverage provides financial support to Zulu during the post-trial motions and any subsequent appeals.