what kind of lawyer to hire to sue county

by Daren Jacobson 6 min read

A criminal lawyer is also sometimes called a defense 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.

Between the complicated process of filing a claim, the tricky nature of the law in this area, and the large amount of evidence you'll need to win in court, it's essential to work with an experienced injury lawyer if you want to sue a city or other municipality.

Full Answer

What kind of lawyer do I need to sue a city?

 · If it is a personal injury, then go for a personal injury attorney. If it deals with special needs children and a school not following an education plan, then find an attorney that deals in that type of claim. Just go by the practice area that the attorney advertises. Also, if you are in a smaller county, then you might find a better response from attorneys that do not regularly …

What type of lawyer is involved in a lawsuit against a district?

 ¡ 1 attorney answer. Posted on Jan 10, 2012. You need to find a litigation attorney that has experience with suing governments, because if the government will almost certainly raise governmental immunity as a defense, even through they have probably waived that immunity by purchasing insurance.

Can you sue a lawyer for unethical behavior?

If you think that a local government entity (or a government employee) is to blame for an accident, you don't need to hire a special kind of lawyer in order to bring a legal claim. You're most likely looking for a personal injury lawyer who represents people who have been injured as a result of someone else's negligence. But you might want to consider hiring a personal injury attorney …

Do I need a lawyer to sue a school district?

 ¡ A criminal lawyer is also sometimes called a defense 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.

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How do I sue local government?

In most states, you cannot simply file a lawsuit in court against the government. Instead, you need to provide a "Notice of Claim" to the government. If you do not follow notice of claim guidelines, your lawsuit will be dismissed by the court.

Can you sue a country?

SCOTT SIMON, HOST: These days it seems you can sue just about anybody and anything. The one place in the judicial system where it remains hard to take legal action is against individual countries. They're covered by what's known as sovereign immunity.

What are the best things to sue for?

Top 6 Reasons to SueFor Monetary Compensation. You can litigate against an entity who has committed some negligent action through which you suffer an injury. ... For Protecting Your Property. ... For Replacing a Trustee. ... For Getting a Divorce. ... For Enforcing the Terms of a Contract. ... For Discrimination and Harassment.

Can you sue the government for violating the Constitution?

Individuals whose constitutional rights are violated by the state government are legally entitled to file a civil action to recover damages. This can be done because of Section 1983, an abridged term for 18 U.S.C. Section 1983, which provides US citizens the right to sue government officials and employees.

How do you sew the government?

To sue the federal government, you must take your complaint to the court of the federal district court nearest the federal government agency where the incident took place that caused your injuries or property damage. A federal complaint can be filed in person at the clerk's office or electronically.

Can you sue a country for human rights violations?

On the last day of its 2003-2004 term, the United States Supreme ruled in Sosa v. Álvarez-Machain that foreign nationals can sue states or individuals in U.S. federal court for violations of human rights.

What are the easiest things to sue for?

The law must support your contention that you were harmed by the illegal actions of another.Bad Debt. A type of contract case. ... Breach of Contract. ... Breach of Warranty. ... Failure to Return a Security Deposit. ... Libel or Slander (Defamation). ... Nuisance. ... Personal Injury. ... Product Liability.More items...

Is suing someone worth it?

Is Going to Court Worth It? Again, it just depends on the specifics of your case. If you have a strong case and a good attorney, suing a person might be worth the costs. But if your case isn't as clear and you don't have a large budget, you may want to think twice before going to court.

What can you sue 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 is considered a violation of constitutional rights?

Constitutional rights violations can take a variety of forms, ranging from retaliating against you for expressing your First Amendment right to free speech, to arresting you without possessing probable cause to believe you have committed a crime, or even arbitrarily depriving you of your Fourteenth Amendment right to ...

What constitutes a violation of civil rights?

A civil rights violation is any offense that occurs as a result or threat of force against a victim by the offender on the basis of being a member of a protected category. For example, a victim who is assaulted due to their race or sexual orientation. Violations can include injuries or even death.

Can citizens sue the government?

Check the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) This principle dictates that citizens cannot sue the federal government unless the government allows it. Thankfully, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) allows certain lawsuits to pass regardless of the government's permission, so suing the government is possible.

Can you sue America?

If you or a family member have suffered a serious personal injury as a result of the negligence of a government employee or agency, you may ask, “can I sue the United States government?” The answer is yes, you may be able to bring a claim against the U.S. government and receive compensation for your losses.

How does suing a country work?

In most cases where a foreign country gets sued in the United States, it contests the state or federal court's jurisdiction over the controversy. Foreign sovereigns typically move to dismiss complaints, or parts of them, based on the immunity accorded to them by the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, 28 U.S.C.

Can a nation sue another country?

The FSIA provides the exclusive basis and means to bring a lawsuit against a foreign sovereign in the United States. It was signed into law by United States President Gerald Ford on October 21, 1976.

Can a company sue a country?

The current international Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) system allows multinational corporations to pursue international arbitration when they believe a foreign government has violated their property rights.

How to file an injury claim against the government?

Your best first step, if you think a government agency might be responsible for your accident injuries, is to contact the clerk's office for that agency and ask about the process and requirements for filing an injury claim. You can also start by doing an online search using a phrase like "claim against [name of state/city/county] government."

Can you sue a government employee for an accident?

From a procedural standpoint, the kind of case you're talking about is not a " lawsuit "—at least, it won't start out as one. You cannot usually just file a lawsuit against a government agency or government employee after an accident, the way you would a private citizen or business.

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.

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 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 happens if you can't afford a criminal lawyer?

It is important to remember that, in most cases, when an individual cannot afford a criminal lawyer, the court will appoint one to represent them. It is also important to keep in mind that if an individual is sentenced to jail time, they will not be able to earn an income and may lose a job.

What is criminal law?

Criminal law is the body of laws that pertain to crimes. Crimes are actions or behaviors prohibited by state or federal laws. Crimes are punishable by fines, probation, and/or imprisonment. Usually, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies.

Who is Jennifer from LegalMatch?

Jennifer joined LegalMatch in 2020 as a Legal Writer. She holds a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law and has been a member of the Alabama State Bar since 2012. She is a certified mediator and guardian ad litem. She holds a B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a B.A. in Spanish, both from Auburn University. Jennifer’s favorite part of legal work is research and writing. Jennifer enjoyed being a Law Clerk for a distinguished Circuit Judge in Alabama. She is a stay-at-home mom and homeschool teacher of three children. She enjoys reading and long evening walks with her ...

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.

How to win a lawsuit against an attorney for malpractice?

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

What is breach of duty in a lawyer?

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.

What happens if an attorney violates the law?

If the attorney violated proper ethics, you can file a grievance with the ethics committee of the state bar association, which ensures all attorneys are in good standing to renew their licenses. The attorney could be disbarred or directed to pay you compensation.

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.

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.

Does losing a case mean you committed malpractice?

It's important to understand that just because you lost your case, it does not mean your attorney committed malpractice. In every case, one side will win and one will lose, despite the skill and experience of the lawyers on each side.

What type of lawyer can sue a contractor?

Thus, the most common type of lawyer used to sue a contractor is a business law attorney.

How to find a lawyer for a contract?

The best way to find the right type of lawyer, regardless of the exact facts associated with your case, is to contact a legal referral service. Licensed and monitored by the California Bar, these organizations serve the public by maintaining a vetted and approved database of qualified lawyers with a proven record of success.

Can you sue for a contractor who asks for more time?

On the other hand, not every issue is a good reason to sue. A contractor who repeatedly asks for more time because the job turns out to be more complex than originally assumed isn’t necessarily at fault as long as they can justify the extension.

What do PIABA lawyers sue?

I've been watching them over decades, and they’re pretty good. PIABA lawyers also sue mutual funds, hedge funds, and investment advisers. These may end up in court or arbitration, depending on the contracts you signed.

What to do if your lawyer doesn't warn you?

If your lawyer candidate doesn’t warn you on how suing can backfire, run. If they claim they are the best around, they aren't. If their goal is extorting a pre-trial settlement go elsewhere and find a lawyer who is willing, if needed, to go all the way to a final judgment. Good ones will. Finally, never lie.

How to find a good trial lawyer?

How to find one? First, search online for, “How to find a good trial lawyer.” There's super good information online – particularly at Badger Lawyer and Columbia Law School . Or you can contact the state bar in the major metropolis nearest you (easily found online). Ask for 10 names of attorneys who handle plaintiffs (aka … you). Always meet them. Ask each how they started, their first chair dispute history and examples of their experience.

What is the biggest mistake people make in trial law?

You never have, or maybe twice. So, you'll likely lose – making beginners’ mistakes your opponent doesn’t. For that reason, businesses often win against individuals – having built trial law muscle over decades. And the biggest mistake individuals make is picking wrong lawyers. My best advice? Learn to pick a good trial lawyer. Trial law is a unique art form.

Can you use an attorney in small claims court?

Much exists online and in books about navigating these courts. Several states like California, Michigan and Nebraska won’t let you use an attorney. Rules vary by state. If you’re alone and your opponent has a good attorney, you’re at a huge disadvantage.

Do trial lawyers need subject matter experts?

Good trial lawyers needn’t be subject matter experts to win. They learn what they need so they can do what is necessary. But they’re super experts in the art of trial combat.

Why do I want to sue a company?

There are many reasons why you might want to sue a company. If you were injured by a product they made, you need an lawyer who handles product liability claims. If you were hurt at work, you need a workers’ compensation attorney. If they violated your rights as an employee, you need to contact an attorney who handles employment discrimination. If you were hurt in their property, you need an attorney who handles personal injury/premesis liability. If you contact me or post a follow up to your question, I would be happy to help you narrow down the kind of lawyer you need.

What are you alleging this company did to you?

What are you alleging this company did to you? Did you suffer damages for which you have tangible proof? Or did someone at the company merely hurt your feelings? Or were your feelings hurt because this company terminated your employment? Look for a attorney who handles civil cases. Be prepared for him or her to decline to work with you if they determine your allegation is either frivolous or not provable.

Do you need a lawyer to win a small claims case?

If it's a small claims court case- file away. But if it's a case worth taking to court, then the assumption should be it's a case worth winning. And if it's a case worth winning….then you need a lawyer to win it.

Can you sue the government if you haven't been declared a vexatious litigant

In the US, if you haven't been declared a vexatious litigant, you may sue anyone (except the government) you please. The government can only be sued where it has waived immunity by statute.

What is an education law attorney?

Education law attorneys typically handle such matters as student rights, student discipline, bullying, harassment and school governance; if your issues involve other types of problems, another type of lawyer may be appropriate.

What does a school district attorney do?

The school district will pay for the legal services directly without going through a law firm. Counsel hired by the district as general counsel usually handle daily legal questions, contractual issues and smaller lawsuits involving simpler laws, such as open records requests or procedural questions for school board meetings. However, these attorneys may also advise on more complex lawsuits, typically with the assistance of a firm or attorney separately hired for a specific lawsuit.

What is a slip and fall lawsuit?

Lawsuits brought by parents and students against a school district could be anything from a slip-and-fall case to a violation by the school district of local, state, or federal statutes. You'll need to hire a lawyer that specializes in the type of legal problem you're experiencing. For example, if your child has been injured on school premises, ...

Can a district hire a single attorney?

The district may hire a single attorney, or it may hire an entire law firm. A law firm, as opposed to a solo practicing attorney, holds the advantage of having many attorneys to draw on for expertise and having more resources to cover expenses.

Can a teacher's union handle a lawsuit?

Lawsuits between a school district and its employees typically fall under collective bargaining agreements and so will be handled by an attorney working for the teacher's union. In addition, union attorneys are frequently used in the course of negotiating a collective bargaining agreement. When the union and the school district are unable to reach agreement through negotiation or arbitration, the agreement occasionally proceeds to the courts, where a union attorney will represent the district's employees. As the parent of a student, however, this type of dispute is unlikely to involve you.

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