lawsuit filed against me what kind of lawyer

Whether the lawsuit has been filed against you personally, against your business, or even if you have only been served on behalf of a member of your household or company, you should contact an experienced litigation attorney immediately to consult with you, review the lawsuit, and advise you what you should do next.

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How do you sue your attorney?

 · These lawyers can be hired by the defendant or appointed by the court to represent the defendant. In serious cases, where punishments are more severe, a criminal lawyer is highly recommended, even necessary. A criminal lawyer can advise an individual on the consequences of conviction or guilty pleas. Some guilty pleas, even to misdemeanor ...

What can a lawyer be sued for?

 · Lawsuits against lawyers usually fall under three categories: negligence, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty. Negligence. Negligence is the most common grounds for a malpractice lawsuit.

How to sue your attorney?

 · To sue lawyer for negligence, you need to be able to prove the attorney didn't use the proper care in your case and missed a deadline, filed the wrong papers, didn't comply with court orders, or made other errors that were not intentional but were sloppy. Negligence happens when the attorney makes mistakes that other attorneys normally would ...

Do lawyers sue other lawyers?

What is an answer in a lawsuit?

An answer is your opportunity to respond to the complaint’s factual allegations and legal claims. It also allows you to assert "affirmative defenses," facts or legal arguments you raise to defeat plaintiff’s claim. Filing an answer prevents the plaintiff from getting a default judgment against you.

What to do if you do nothing in a lawsuit?

If you do nothing, the plaintiff can – and probably will! – ask the court for a default judgment. You may have other options as well. The best way to evaluate your options is to speak to a lawyer. An attorney might be able to identify defenses that apply to you or even help you settle your case out of court.

How long do you have to respond to a lawsuit?

However you decide to respond to the lawsuit, remember there are deadlines to take action. Typically, you have twenty calendar days from when you received the summons and complaint (not counting the day of service) to file a response with the court. But that time might be shorter in some cases.

What to do if you have been served with a summons?

Learn what to do if you’ve been served with a summons and complaint, including how much time you have to respond and what options might be available to you. Remember that if you do nothing, the person suing you can ask the court for a money judgment against you!

What does it mean when you receive a summons and complaint?

Overview. If you have received a summons and complaint, that probably means you are being sued. Being sued can be one of life’s most stressful experiences. Although it might be tempting to ignore a summons and complaint, ignoring a lawsuit does not make it go away.

Why do you file a motion to dismiss?

File a motion to dismiss or for a more definite statement. There are a number of reasons why you might file a motion to dismiss, including: Lack of jurisdiction. In other words, the court does not have jurisdiction over you. Click to visit Deciding Where to File for more information about jurisdiction.

How long does it take to file a motion to dismiss?

When you file a motion to dismiss, the time for you to file an answer is postponed until the judge makes a decision on your motion. If the judge grants your motion, the case is dismissed and over. If the judge denies your motion, you have ten days to file an answer. (NRCP 12 (a); JCRCP 12 (a).)

What is negligence in a lawsuit?

Negligence. Negligence is the most common grounds for a malpractice lawsuit. It happens when your attorney fails to use the skill and care normally expected of a competent attorney. For example, you might have grounds for a negligence suit if your lawyer missed an important deadline, failed to prepare for trial, or failed to follow court orders.

How to win a malpractice case?

Most legal malpractice cases are based on negligence. To win this type of case, you must prove all of the following: 1 Your lawyer owed you a duty to competently represent you. 2 Your lawyer breached that duty. 3 Your lawyer's breach caused you to suffer a financial loss.

How long does it take to file a malpractice case?

The time limit for filing a legal malpractice case can be as short as one year.

What is a breach of contract?

Breach of contract. Breach of contract occurs when a lawyer violates a specific term of the lawyer’s agreement with a client. For example, if your contract says that your lawyer will create a corporation for you by a certain date, the lawyer must stick to that agreement. Breach of fiduciary duty. Lawyers owe certain fiduciary duties ...

What is a breach of fiduciary duty?

Breach of fiduciary duty. Lawyers owe certain fiduciary duties to their clients, such as the duty of loyalty and duty of confidentiality. Your lawyer must act in your best interests and must keep your communications confidential.

What are the fiduciary duties of a lawyer?

Lawyers owe certain fiduciary duties to their clients, such as the duty of loyalty and duty of confidentiality. Your lawyer must act in your best interests and must keep your communications confidential.

What to do if you are not happy with your lawyer?

If you’re not happy with your lawyer, you can: Switch lawyers. If you haven’t suffered much damage yet, you may want to consider simply hiring a new lawyer. You’re free to switch lawyers at any time, except in rare cases.

Can you sue a lawyer for negligence?

To sue lawyer for negligence, you need to be able to prove the attorney didn't use the proper care in your case and missed a deadline, filed the wrong papers, didn't comply with court orders, or made other errors that were not intentional but were sloppy.

What do you need to show when suing an attorney for malpractice?

When suing an attorney for legal malpractice, you will need to show that the attorney did not use the ordinary amount of skill and care that most attorneys use in similar situations.

How to win a malpractice case?

To win when you sue an attorney for malpractice, you need to show that: 1 The attorney was supposed to do something 2 He or she didn't do it (or did it wrong) 3 This resulted in a financial loss to you (losing the case or losing money)

What are the types of malpractice?

Types of Attorney Malpractice 1 Negligence. To sue lawyer for negligence, you need to be able to prove the attorney didn't use the proper care in your case and missed a deadline, filed the wrong papers, didn't comply with court orders, or made other errors that were not intentional but were sloppy. Negligence happens when the attorney makes mistakes that other attorneys normally would not. 2 Breach of duty. This kind of malpractice happens when the lawyer violates his or her responsibilities to you by settling the case without your approval, not preparing the case for trial, lying to you, abandoning your case, misusing funds you provided for court costs, or misusing funds owed to you (such as a settlement amount). The attorney has not done what other attorneys would do in this type of case. 3 Breach of contract. This occurs when an attorney fails to do something he or she agreed to in your contract, such as filing your deed or patent. If the lawyer promised to do something he or she was contractually obligated to do and didn't do it, you have grounds for breach of contract.

What to do when you hire an attorney?

When you hire an attorney, you do so with trust and confidence. Most attorneys are upstanding and do a good job for their clients. Unfortunately, there are also some bad eggs out there. If your attorney has done something wrong, you may want to consider suing a lawyer for malpractice.

Can an attorney be disbarred?

The attorney could be disbarred or directed to pay you compensation. If you are disputing a fee with your lawyer, the state also likely has a fee dispute committee that can help you obtain an out-of-court resolution. You can hire another attorney to complete or fix your case and obtain the outcome you need.

What is a breach of contract?

Breach of contract. This occurs when an attorney fails to do something he or she agreed to in your contract, such as filing your deed or patent. If the lawyer promised to do something he or she was contractually obligated to do and didn't do it, you have grounds for breach of contract.

What is a defense in a lawsuit?

A defense is a reason why you aren't liable for the debt or a reason why the creditor shouldn't be allowed to collect the debt. Here are some common defenses to creditor suits: the statute of limitations (the time period in which the creditor must bring the lawsuit) has run.

How to sue a creditor for a debt?

When a creditor sues you to collect debt you haven't paid, you have three choices to deal with the lawsuit: 1 allow the creditor to obtain a judgment against you (called a "default judgment") 2 defend the lawsuit yourself, or 3 hire an attorney to represent you in the lawsuit.

Can a creditor get a judgment against you?

allow the creditor to obtain a judgment against you (called a "default judgment") defend the lawsuit yourself, or. hire an attorney to represent you in the lawsuit. Which option is best for you will depend on a number of factors.

What is a counterclaim?

A counterclaim is a claim that you have against the creditor. In most states, the counterclaim must relate to the transaction at issue in the creditor's lawsuit. For example, say the creditor sues you for nonpayment of a credit card debt.

What is a counterclaim in a lawsuit?

In most states, the counterclaim must relate to the transaction at issue in the creditor's lawsuit. For example, say the creditor sues you for nonpayment of a credit card debt. You might be able to file a counterclaim alleging that it harassed you in trying to collect the debt.

Can you keep your retirement account in bankruptcy?

If bankruptcy might be inevitable, think twice before using retirement funds to pay bills. Most people can keep their retirement account in bankruptcy.

What happens when a collector files a small claims lawsuit?

If the collector files its lawsuit in small claims court, you'll probably first get notification about the suit. Then, the parties go to court for a trial in front of a magistrate or other judicial officer. Typically, a written answer is optional and rules of evidence are inapplicable.

What is a debt collection lawsuit?

A debt collection lawsuit begins when the collection agency files a “complaint” (sometimes called a “petition”) in court. The complaint will explain why the collector is suing you and what it wants—usually, repayment of money you owe, plus interest, fees, and costs.

How long does it take to file a lawsuit?

Generally, you’ll get around 20 to 30 days to file a written answer to the lawsuit with the court. You’ll have to respond to the allegations in the complaint and raise any defenses you have, like that the statute of limitations (the law that sets a time limit on the right to file a lawsuit) has expired, or counterclaims against the collector, such as violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

What is a summons in court?

The summons informs you that you’re being sued, and gives you information about the case, like the deadline to file a formal response, called an “answer,” in court.

What is discovery in a lawsuit?

“ Discovery ” refers to the formal procedures that parties in a lawsuit use to get information and documents from each other to prepare for trial or settle the case. If you don’t raise any defenses or counterclaims, the collector probably won’t engage in discovery. But if you have a good defense or file a counterclaim, you and the collector might want to participate in discovery.

What happens if a collector files a summary judgment?

If the judge grants the motion, the court will enter a judgment against you without a trial.

Do debt collectors go to trial?

Most debt collection cases don’t get to trial; they settle, or the collector gets a default or summary judgment. Most collectors win their cases by default, without ever having to go to court. If you do go to trial, you—or your attorney, if you hire one—will have to present your case according to specific rules of procedure and evidence. At the end of the trial, the judge (or jury, if applicable) will make a decision. The judge or jury’s decision is then entered in the court records as a judgment, and it becomes official. (To learn about how the collector can use a judgment against you, read Types of Debt and Debt Collection Practices .)

What to do if you have been served with a lawsuit?

If you have been served with a lawsuit, you must act quickly to protect your legal rights. Whether the lawsuit has been filed against you personally, against your business, or even if you have only been served on behalf of a member of your household or company, you should contact an experienced litigation attorney immediately to consult with you, ...

Can you be held responsible for a lawsuit?

It is important to remember that just because someone has filed a lawsuit against you does not mean that you will be held legally responsible for anything the lawsuit alleges. Just like criminal indictments do not make a person guilty of what they are being accused of, having a civil Complaint ...

What is a summons in court?

Every person or entity that the Complaint is filed against is called a “Defendant.”. When a Complaint is filed in court, the Clerk of Court issues another document called a “Summons.”. The Summons must be delivered along with the Complaint and directs each defendant named in the Complaint to file an Answer to the Complaint within 30 days ...

What is a defendant in a complaint?

Every person or entity that the Complaint is filed against is called a “Defendant.”. When a Complaint is filed in court, the Clerk of Court issues another document called a “Summons.”.

What happens if you don't file an answer to a complaint?

If you do not file an Answer to the Complaint within 30 days, you run the risk of having the Court enter a judgment against you by default, which can be enforced just as if you had gone to court and lost.

How long does it take to get a summons from a court?

The Summons must be delivered along with the Complaint and directs each defendant named in the Complaint to file an Answer to the Complaint within 30 days of the date the Complaint is served. In most cases, lawsuits must be personally hand delivered ...

What are the types of damages in a defamation case?

There are usually three types of potential damages in a defamation case: 1 actual damages 2 assumed damages, and 3 punitive damages.

What is the difference between a defamatory statement and a slander?

Defamation is a wrongful act in which one person makes a false statement of fact that injures the reputation of another. A defamatory statement that's spoken is called "slander", while one that 's written or published (or posted online) is called "libel".

What is punitive damages?

Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct, and aren't usually imposed in defamation cases. Learn more about calculating damages in a defamation case.

What is actual damages?

Actual damages are provable, compensable losses that the plaintiff has suffered with respect to his or her property, business, trade, profession or occupation, including any expenses the plaintiff had to pay as a result of the defamatory statements. Lost income is an example of actual damages in a defamation case.

Can a tenant sue a landlord for eviction?

Some states specify an amount of money a tenant can sue for if the landlord attempts to illegally evict them through self-help measures. Some states also provide for a tenant’s court costs and attorneys’ fees to be paid by the landlord if they prevail. The tenant may also be granted the right to stay in the rental.

What happens if a tenant does not respond to a landlord's complaint?

If the tenant does not respond, or answer, the landlord’s complaint, the court will issue a default judgment for the landlord. Should the court rule in favor of the landlord, the tenant must vacate the property if so ordered.

What is eviction in a rental?

Eviction refers to a legal process in which a court orders the removal of a tenant from a rented apartment or home at the request of the landlord. The landlord must have justification for requesting eviction. There are many reasons a landlord may wish to evict a tenant from a rental property. These can include:

Why do landlords evict tenants?

The landlord must have justification for requesting eviction. There are many reasons a landlord may wish to evict a tenant from a rental property. These can include: The tenant ceased rent payments for a period of time; The tenant or the tenant’s guests have caused substantial damage to the rental property;

Can you evict a tenant from a rental property?

In most cases, eviction actions occur between a tenant and a landlord or a rental property such as a home or apartment. However, the process can also be used to remove tenants from rented commercial buildings such as business offices.

What is a pay or quit notice?

Pay or quit; Cure or quit; and. Unconditional quit. A pay or quit notice is provided when a tenant has not paid rent. The landlord puts the tenant on notice that if they do not pay the rent, they will be required to leave. A cure or quit notice is provided when a tenant has violated a term of the lease.

Can a landlord evict a tenant without reason?

Prior to going to court and requesting an eviction, a landlord must terminate the tenancy. In most cases, this can be done with or without reason, unless the property is regulated by rent control ordinance. Landlords of rentals of this type must have a reason to evict the tenant.

What are damages in a breach of contract?

Damages: Just like in a breach of contract suit, you must be able to prove damages. In a personal injury case, for example, damages often include medical bills as well as damages for pain and suffering caused by the injury.

What is a good case?

A Good Case. In "lawyer-speak," almost any lawsuit (a cause of action) can be broken down in a series of steps, or components of legally required elements. To ensure you have a "good case", you, the plaintiff, will need to go down this checklist of elements and make sure that you can satisfy or prove each one. ...

How to succeed in a breach of contract?

In order to succeed in a breach of contract action, you must be able to show that you held up your end of the bargain under the terms of the contract. In this situation, you have paid the money to the contractor, thus fulfilling your obligation. Breach.

What is breach of duty?

Breach of Duty. After defining the duty, a determination must be made as to whether or not the defendant breached the duty with respect to the plaintiff. In order to prove this element, you must show that the defendant failed to act a reasonable person would in fulfilling the duty owed to the plaintiff.