what kind of lawyer do you need to sue a company

by Earnest Kovacek 7 min read

Therefore, if you decide you want to sue a company, it may be in your best interest to consult a local business lawyer for further legal advice. An experienced business lawyer can discuss whether you have a viable claim and what your best options are for legal recourse.Jan 7, 2021

Full Answer

Should your company hire a small business lawyer?

Owners of both small and large businesses hire attorneys for a variety of reasons such as purchasing property, establishing a new venture, complying with labor laws and preparing taxes. Working with an attorney is necessary for ensuring that your business is functional and compliant.

Is it OK to sue someone without a lawyer?

Is it OK to sue someone without a lawyer? Outside of small claims, it is possible to file a lawsuit in state or federal court without an attorney, although as your case progresses or if things become more complex – and especially if the other side lawyers up – you should consider bringing on a licensed attorney to help represent your interests.

How do you sue someone without a lawyer?

  • Preparation is essential. ...
  • Read books on the subject of self-representation. ...
  • Spend as much time as you can attending other superior court hearings to understand how things work. ...
  • Consider consulting with an attorney regarding procedures, strategies and deadlines. ...
  • When you get to court, don't try to act like an expert. ...

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Can I sue someone without a lawyer?

Yes, its possible. No way to tell probability of winning as too many variables. Bigger issue is whether its worth your expense to hire a lawyer to do the suit, as such actions are typically outside the ordinary persons abilityto handle in court.

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How do you win a lawsuit against a company?

If it doesn't though, here are the steps you'll need to take.Talk it Out. ... Review Your Contract. ... Document Everything. ... Determine Your Claim. ... Come Up with a Resolution. ... Get Familiar With Any Laws Surrounding Your Claim. ... Find A Lawyer. ... The Employer isn't Afraid of a Lawsuit.More items...•

How do I sue a company in USA?

Steps to Suing a CompanyDetermine who it is you want to sue. You need to find out if it is a business, an individual, or both.Determine the correct jurisdiction. ... Draft a demand letter. ... Fill up the court forms and register with the court. ... Receive your court date.Serve documents to the defendant via mail.

What kind of lawsuit is against a company?

civil lawsuitsLawsuits against companies are generally considered civil lawsuits. Civil law cases cover breaches of contract, violations of company trademark, defamation of an individual or company, and more.

Can you sue a company for lying?

Yes, you can sue your employer for false promises. Misleading statements can land an employer in court for negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent inducement, or other legal issues. You do not always need an employment contract to prove false promises.

How much does it cost to sue a company?

Typically in a civil lawsuit, it can cost $1,500-$5,000 to initiate an action and have a lawyer deliver a Statement of Claim. Responding to the opposing side's documents and conducting examinations for discovery will likely involve another $3,500-$5,000.

Can you sue a company for emotional distress?

It may be possible for you to sue for emotional distress, depending on your situation. The main factor that will mean you can make a claim is whether someone's negligence caused the harm you first suffered. This could be because you were hurt in an accident that was someone else's fault.

What are good reasons to sue a company?

Top Reasons to Sue an EmployerIllegal Termination. While employment may be terminated at any time in an at-will employment state, there are still ways an employer may illegally terminate an employee. ... Deducting Pay. ... Personal Injuries. ... Employee Discrimination. ... Sexual and Workplace Harassment. ... Retaliation. ... Defamation.

What are good reasons to sue?

Here are 11 top reasons to sue someone.Compensation for Damages. A common form of this is monetary compensation for personal injury. ... Enforcing a Contract. Contracts can be written, oral or implied. ... Breach of Warranty. ... Product Liability. ... Property Disputes. ... Divorce. ... Custody Disputes. ... Replacing a Trustee.More items...

How long does a civil lawsuit take?

While an actual trial in court usually takes only a few days, the pre-trial process and the process of preparing a case can take weeks or months. In especially complex cases where both sides present extensive witnesses and lots of technical evidence, even the trial process can stretch on for a long time.

Can you sue a company for wasting your time?

The answer is generally no - you can't sue for wasted time in most instances.

What to do if a business lies to you?

Appeal to the management or executive level. If you're unhappy with the answer you get from a rank-and-file employee, contact a manager. The best way to get an “official” answer or clarification is to put your request in writing, preferably as an email.

Can you sue a company for misleading information?

When serious enough, these misleading advertisements and pricing claims can be prosecuted in criminal court and sued in civil courts.

How to sue a company for damages?

In order to sue a company for damages, a plaintiff should take the following steps to increase their chances of bringing a successful lawsuit: Before initiating a lawsuit, it may be wise to speak to a company representative to ensure that there is not an easier way to resolve the issue.

Why do people sue companies?

In general, some common reasons to sue a company include the following: If a person suffered harassment when either working at the company or when visiting the company as a patron (e.g., grocery store worker harassed them); When a company fails to pay a worker their ...

How long do you have to file a lawsuit in California?

For instance, a person who sues a company in California based on a personal injury claim, will have two years from the date they were injured to file a lawsuit against that company.

How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida?

In contrast, a person who sues a company in Florida based on a personal injury claim, will have four years from the date they were injured to file a lawsuit against that company. A person who fails to file a claim within the prescribed time frame will be barred from bringing a lawsuit against the company.

What can a business lawyer do?

Your lawyer can also help you to gather evidence, request the right items for discovery, and assist you in preparing and filing your claim.

What type of company is liable for a violation of federal laws?

Almost any company can be held liable for actions that violate federal, state, and/or local laws. Some types of companies that may be held liable include: For-profit companies (e.g., corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, etc.); Non-profit organizations (such as charities);

What are the remedies for a small business?

Some other remedies that might be available when suing a small business include: Requesting that the court issue an order stating the company is legally obligated to change their company handbooks, policies, and/or procedures; Various economic and noneconomic damages; Punitive damages or fines; and/or. Restitution.

Why do you need a lawyer for a contract?

Even in transactional civil matters, such as drafting a contract, a lawyer can be very helpful. A lawyer can make sure contracts are drafted correctly and avoid problems at a later date. A real estate purchase, business purchase, and/or creation of a trademark or copyright will most likely involve a lawyer.

What kind of services do lawyers provide?

Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases. Some lawyers specialize in one or two types, such as family and divorce law.

What is family law?

Family law is law that involves family matters. These matters can include marriage, divorce, adoption, child support, custody and establishing parentage. In most cases, marriages do not require a lawyer but a prenuptial agreement should be reviewed by a lawyer.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who is licensed to practice law in a state. Lawyers are also known as attorneys or an attorney at law. Some lawyers are licensed in multiple states. Some lawyers are admitted to practice at the Federal level as well.

Why is it important to have a family lawyer?

It is important in divorce cases for an individual to have a family lawyer representing them to ensure their rights are protected.

What is personal injury?

In a personal injury suit, an individual is injured, mentally and/or physically, because of an accident, defective product, or an act or failure to act by another. A court may award a plaintiff in a personal injury suit monetary damages for their injury. Civil law cases can be complex.

What is civil matter?

Civil matters include contract disputes between businesses, real estate, and personal transactions. Unlike criminal cases, there is no determination of guilt or innocence. Usually, the parties may only recover monetary damages, including punitive damages in some cases.

What are some examples of liability for a corporation?

Health facilities such as hospitals and private clinics. Companies have different structures and liabilities. For example, if you sue a corporation such as Verizon, the liability applies to both the corporation and its registered individual owners.

How to file a demand letter for a lawsuit?

Create a demand letter to be submitted to the court and defendant that explains your case and the financial damages you are suing for. Fill up the court forms and register with the court. You may also need to pay court filing fees. Receive your court date. Serve documents to the defendant via mail.

How to file a civil lawsuit?

Here is a general guideline to help you file a civil lawsuit by yourself: Determine who it is you want to sue. You need to find out if it is a business, an individual, or both. Determine the correct jurisdiction. Find out where the individual lives or where the business operates.

What are the laws of the United States?

Any company can be held liable for federal, state, or local law violations. These include but are not limited to the following: 1 For-profit companies 2 Non-profit organizations 3 Small business owners and sole entrepreneurs 4 Federal, state, and/or local government agencies 5 Educational institutes such as schools 6 Health facilities such as hospitals and private clinics

What to do if you have no avail of a lawsuit?

If you have taken steps to resolve the dispute but to no avail, a civil lawsuit may be the next best thing to do. Before you proceed, make sure to gather evidence to support your case. These include complaint forms you have previously submitted, contracts, terms of service, photos, audio recordings, and more. Solve My Problem.

What is the term for an insurance company that fails to pay an employee?

An insurance company fails to pay an employee his/her remuneration as outlined in the contract. Discrimination or Harassment. A person is harassed or discriminated against while working at the company. Nuisance. A company encroaches on the public right-of-way and interferes with pedestrian traffic. Defamation.

Can you sue Uber for damages?

If you sue a limited liability company ( LLC) such as Uber, only the business itself can be liable for damages. That’s because LLCs are designed in a way that protects their individual owners from business liabilities or debts.

What do real estate lawyers do?

Real estate lawyers deal with rights concerning land, water, and structures. Perhaps you need to determine whether a lien has been asserted against your property, or you need to carve out an easement. Maybe you need to divide one lot into two or more lots, or change the zoning classification, or move a boundary line.

What is a traffic lawyer?

Traffic Lawyer. Traffic lawyers are often considered a type of criminal-defense lawyer, but there’s a big difference between being accused of murder and being accused of running a red light, and different considerations come into play in formulating defense strategy.

What is transactional lawyer?

The transactional lawyer will incorporate your startup, help secure funding, draft your employment and non-disclosure agreements, issue stock, spin off subsidiaries, and countless other tasks associated with operating your business. Unlike the business litigation attorney, the transactional lawyer does not go to court.

Why do you need a defamation attorney?

You want a defamation attorney if you need to take someone to court for defaming your character through libel and/or slander, or if you’ve been accused of causing harm to the reputation of another individual or business by making false and defamatory statements of your own.

What to do if you have been injured in a car accident?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, find yourself a personal injury attorney. These lawyers are experienced in dealing with insurance companies and helping you obtain the maximum recovery in light of the liability and damages issues involved. Personal injury lawyers don’t just handle car-accident cases. Typically, this is the type of lawyer you need if you’ve suffered a physical injury as the result of someone else’s negligence. Examples include “premises liability” cases (such as where you’ve slipped and fallen at a commercial establishment due to an unsafe condition), medical malpractice cases, and animal attacks.

What are some examples of premises liability?

Examples include “premises liability” cases (such as where you’ve slipped and fallen at a commercial establishment due to an unsafe condition), medical malpractice cases, and animal attacks. 10. Real Estate Lawyer. Real estate lawyers deal with rights concerning land, water, and structures.

What do you want from your ex wife?

You want a divorce. You want custody of your kids. Your ex-wife wants an increase in her spousal support and you’d rather not give it to her. You’re getting married and you want to ensure you won’t lose half of everything you own if you ever get a divorce. If your legal needs involve family relationships and obligations, you need a family lawyer.

Do You Have a Case?

Whether a company did wrong to you or not is immaterial when considering if you should sue. You need specific complaints against the company for exactly what they did wrong. You also must have evidence. Without these two things, you do not have a suit.

Legal Paperwork

Usually, this is where you hire an attorney to represent you in your grievance. Attorneys understand the procedures, documents needed, signatures and notaries, witnesses, and delivery of summons and other types of legal briefs.

Step 1

Collect any evidence of phone calls, letters, emails, company app screenshots, chats, or any other method of communication, including recordings of any face-to-face meetings. The more evidence you have that you have tried to work things out with the company, the better your suit looks.

Step Two

Present your evidence to those giving you legal advice and see if you have a case. Lawyers have a keen eye and see what the letter of the law says about your issue. Without the proper evidence or a set of circumstances that prove unethical treatment, you don’t have a case in the legal arena.

Step Three

Check your statute of limitations for your state before proceeding. Every state has a different time limit. The date between when the wrong treatment or loss occurred, and the date you file suit against the company must be within your state’s statute of limitations.

Ask For Help

Even if it seems unfair, sometimes companies get away with hurting consumers. However, if you have the proper evidence and sue successfully, you can help prevent unethical companies from continuing to hurt others.

What is breach of contract?

A breach of contract occurs when the contractor fails to hold up their end of the bargain. For example, a home reno contractor might miss a deadline, fail to deliver a completed product, or even display incompetence in providing a service.

What is a fundamental breach?

Fundamental Breach – The same as a material breach, but generally includes much more serious fallout. For example, a contractor who works on a roof incompetently might leave it in disrepair, resulting in leaks and thousands of dollars worth of water damage.

What is fraudulent bill padding?

Fraudulent bill padding, such as when a contractor agrees to complete a job for one amount, yet starts tacking on dubious fees. While contracts can and often do change, any suspicious additions should be scrutinized closely.

What is false promise?

False promises, such as promising to complete a job with an expensive material, yet sneakily using a cheaper product. For example, a contractor may promise to install an expensive Egyptian wool carpet, yet install a cheaper counterfeit version without the homeowner’s permission.

Why are motivations more common than others?

This is because most contractual law involves the same assumed rights and responsibilities. The most common scenarios involve a contractor who: Fails to complete a job at all. Fails to complete a job by a deadline.

What is defective work?

Defective work is any work that puts the home, the project, the homeowner, or the people who enjoy the results at risk in some way. This may lower the home’s overall value, put the client’s life at risk, or even create an environment that encourages dangerous accidents and/or structural failures.

What is contracting contractor?

By very definition, contractors work on a contractual basis. This means they agree to provide a specific service, product, or result in exchange for cash within a certain period of time. For example, a plumber might agree to replace all of the plumbing in your master bathroom within two weeks for $2,000. Or, a home renovation specialist might ...

What are Small Claims Suits?

Small Claims Suits are lawsuits filed through Small Claims Court — a special division of the judicial system that intends to help parties who do not have personal attorneys resolve disputes quickly, in a budget-friendly manner.

When Can You Sue a Company?

Breaking an Agreement. If you had a written or oral contract with a company, you can sue for violation of that contract.

How to Prepare For a Lawsuit?

Although suing a company applies to a wide spectrum of cases, it is important to consider three details that directly relate to your specific case before proceeding with an independent suit.

What are the Steps to Follow?

File a Verified Complaint. Draft a document explaining your claim, cause of action, and purpose to the company you are suing.

Sue A Company Through DoNotPay Today

DoNotPay is the perfect way to successfully file a small-claims suit that will be successful! All you need to do is:

Who Else Has DoNotPay Helped Sue?

DoNotPay has a track record of helping people sue big corporations! Our process is simple and easy which makes it suitable if you prefer hassle-free suing in small claims court. Some of the companies include:

What do I need to do if I was injured on the job?

If you were injured on the job, you need a workers' compensation attorney. If there is some other issue, such as wrongful termination, discrimination, etc., then you need to contact an employment law attorney.

Can I contact an attorney on Avvo?

A workman's comp attorney. Use the find a lawyer function on Avvo to locate one. We attorneys cannot contact you on Avvo and in fact cannot even see your contact information.

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