Protecting Your Interests In Court
The attorneys of The Rice Law Firm, LLC have decades of combined experience representing small businesses to Fortune 500 companies in complex litigation in both federal and state courts across the nation. Our experience includes almost every type of business or personal dispute.
The Types Of Civil Litigation Cases We Take
We have served clients across Atlanta in civil litigation matters such as:
- Breach of contract
- Business disputes
- Civil fraud
- RICO
- Product liability
- Personal injury
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
- Libel, slander, and defamation of character
- Estate planning disputes
How Does Our Civil Litigation Attorney Handle Each Case?
Our legal practice approaches each civil litigation case with the expectation that the case will go to trial. While that most times does not happen, if it does, it is often set without significant advanced notice and preparing a case in this manner often achieves the best results for our clients. This approach maximizes our client’s advantages and bargaining power, allowing our client to resolve the case in the best possible manner. Because our civil litigation lawyer has prepared your case for trial from day one, we will be prepared if a case is set with short notice. Your opponent may be forced into a more costly resolution because their attorneys were not prepared. When represented by our firm, you and your business will not be. This approach to preparing a case also enables us to efficiently identify and implement strategies that advance the case towards the resolution that most benefits the client. Simply stated, we handle cases in a manner that maximizes results and minimizes cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Litigation
Civil litigation can be complex, and clients often have many questions about what to expect. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about civil litigation cases.
Can I settle my civil litigation case out of court?
Yes, most civil litigation cases settle before reaching trial. In fact, approximately 95% of civil cases are resolved through negotiation, mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods. Settlement offers can occur at any stage of litigation, from before a lawsuit is filed through the trial itself.
The decision to settle is always yours as the client, though we will provide guidance based on case strengths and weaknesses. Settling out of court can save time and money while providing certainty that a trial cannot guarantee.
What are the common challenges faced during civil litigation, and how can they be overcome?
Civil litigation often presents challenges such as lengthy discovery processes, high costs, unpredictable outcomes and emotional strain. The discovery phase can become contentious when parties resist producing documents or information. Costs can increase due to witness fees, deposition expenses and court costs.
These challenges can be addressed through strategic case management, focused discovery requests, alternative dispute resolution methods or realistic expectations. Our firm works to control costs while maximizing your chances for a favorable outcome by developing clear strategies early in the litigation process.
What are punitive damages, and can they be awarded in civil litigation?
Punitive damages are monetary awards designed to punish defendants for particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior. Unlike compensatory damages that reimburse actual losses, punitive damages are additional amounts awarded when a defendant acted with malice, fraud or gross negligence.
They are not available in all civil cases and generally require proof of intentional misconduct. In Georgia, punitive damages are capped at $250,000 in many cases, with exceptions for product liability cases and situations involving intentional harm.
How is a settlement agreement structured in civil litigation?
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between parties that resolves the dispute. These agreements typically include terms such as payment amounts, payment schedules, release of claims, confidentiality provisions or nondisparagement clauses. Most agreements contain a release preventing further claims related to the same incident.
The agreement may also address whether payment is lump sum or structured, tax implications and attorney fee responsibility. Once signed, the agreement can be enforced like any other contract.
Let Us Help Manage Your Civil Litigation Issues
Whatever your civil litigation issue, our knowledgeable attorney can review your situation and offer smart legal options. Come in for a free consultation at our firm. Call 770-615-0816 or give us the details in our easy-to-send email. We will respond to every email and phone call with a concern for your legal needs.