where to find a lawyer when teying to sue the city

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).

Full Answer

Where will you be able to sue someone?

 · You might be able to find them under “Lawyer Referral Service” or something similar in your yellow pages. These services usually recommend a lawyer in the area to evaluate a situation. Several services offer help to groups with unique characteristics, such as the elderly, immigrants, victims of domestic violence, or persons with a disability.

How do I find a lawyer in my state?

If you want to sue a local government for an injury, you'll need to follow a rigid set of rules, and you may be limited in terms of when and how much you may recover. Free Case Evaluation | AllLaw.com. All Law .com. Talk to a Lawyer. 833-890-0666. Chat Now.

How do you sue a company?

 · The barriers to being able to sue city hall or government entities have long passed. If you're injured and believe you might have legal recourse, you want to see it through. Your first step should be to consult a personal injury attorney who can help you with your case, including providing a detailed description of the accident and injury.

Where can I get legal advice about local laws?

 · 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...

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.

How do I sue my local county?

To sue a government or public entity:Fill out an SC-100 Plaintiff's Claim.File your Claim at the proper court venue and pay the filing fee.When you file your Plaintiff's Claim with the court, be sure to bring a copy of the denial letter you received from the agency.More items...•

How do you sew a city?

How to Sue a City for Negligence. First, you'll generally file a claim with the city government, at which point you'll be directed to either the city attorney's office or the risk management division. Once the city receives your claim, it has three options: Accept the claim and pay your damages.

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.

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.

Can you sue a state for constitutional violations?

States are protected by the doctrine of sovereign immunity from having to pay damages in most cases. They may only be sued for injunctive relief to prohibit constitutional violations, not afterwards for any damages caused.

Do cities have sovereign immunity?

In the United States, sovereign immunity typically applies to the federal government and state government, but not to municipalities. Federal and state governments, however, have the ability to waive their sovereign immunity.

What do you mean by negligence?

negligence, in law, the failure to meet a standard of behaviour established to protect society against unreasonable risk.

Can I sue my local council?

To successfully sue your local council, you'll need a strong set of supporting evidence to prove their liability, which may include photographs of the scene and cause of the accident, witness statements and a medical report from an independent expert.

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.

Can you file a lawsuit without a lawyer?

You are not required to have a lawyer when you file a criminal case, but you may choose to have one assist you in the process. When filing a criminal case, you will have to prepare your complaint-affidavit accompanied by the affidavits of your witnesses and other evidence proving the alleged violation of a crime.

How long do you have to wait to file a lawsuit?

This period is typically between 30 and 120 days. The court will dismiss a lawsuit that is filed before the Notice of Claim period expires.

How long do you have to file a lawsuit against a state?

Some jurisdictions require that you file a claim within 30 days of your injury. Other states require a claim within 60, 90, or 120 days after your injury. Many states have one time limit for claims against a city, town, county, ...

Where do you mail a notice of claim in Florida?

The Notice of Claim is not filed with the court, but must be mailed (often by certified mail) to each government employee or entity. The notice may also need to be mailed to a single government agency that receives all Notice of Claim forms. In Florida, every Notice of Claim must be mailed to the Florida Department of Financial Services.

Who is the notice of claim addressed to?

Format of the Notice of Claim. In most jurisdictions, the Notice of Claim must be addressed to each person or entity that caused your injuries. The Notice of Claim is not filed with the court, but must be mailed (often by certified mail) to each government employee or entity.

Can you file a lawsuit against the 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.

What information is required in a notice of injury?

For example, in Pennsylvania, the notice must have the name and address of the injured person, the date, location, and hour of the accident, and the name and address of medical care providers . See this sample claim to get an idea of what it might look like, or see Making an Injury Claim Against the Government for an overview.

How long do you have to file a personal injury claim?

Some jurisdictions require that you file a claim within 30 days of your injury. Other states require a claim within 60, 90, or 120 days after your injury. Many states have one time limit for claims against a city, town, county, or municipality, and another for claims against the state or a state agency. However, not all states have a government-specific time limitation, and you may only need to be aware of the general statute of limitation for your injury. You can find the rules for each state in our personal injury state laws section. (Opens in a new window. You'll find the time limits listed under the general statute of limitations, or under "Claims Against the Government".)

What to remember when suing the government?

Things to Remember When Suing the Government. There are distinctions between suing the government and suing a private party. You may have to take some extra steps. Many states require people to file an administrative claim with a government agency before they can file a civil case in court.

What to do if you are injured and believe you have legal recourse?

If you're injured and believe you might have legal recourse, you want to see it through. Your first step should be to consult a personal injury attorney who can help you with your case, including providing a detailed description of the accident and injury.

What to do if your claim is denied?

If that claim is denied, then you can file a civil case against the government. There is often a limited period of time in which to file the claim and the lawsuit. You may also encounter some obstacles depending on the type of case. Many laws cap the amount of damages that you can potentially recover from the government.

What to provide to a government lawsuit?

Provide the names of any witnesses, medical reports, estimates of damages, and any other helpful information. It's also important that you see your lawyer as soon as possible. You may not have as much time to file a lawsuit against the government as you would against a private business.

Can parents sue school districts?

Parents and students can sue school districts for failing to provide educational services or violating students' rights. People can also sue police agencies for violating their civil rights.

Can a school district sue for a wrongfully terminated employee?

Parents and students can sue school districts for failing to provide educational services or violating students' rights.

Can you sue the government for a slip and fall?

When governments are responsible for your accidents and injuries, you can normally sue them just as you would sue another person or company. This can include personal injury lawsuits for auto accidents and premises liability lawsuits for slip and fall injuries. It can also include lawsuits over other injuries for which there are legal remedies. A wrongfully terminated or harassed employee can file an employment lawsuit against his or her government employer. Parents and students can sue school districts for failing to provide educational services or violating students' rights. People can also sue police agencies for violating their civil rights.

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.

Does prior subject expertise hurt?

Still, prior subject expertise doesn’t hurt. If suing your broker, it’s handled via arbitration under the brokers’ self-regulatory organization, the misleadingly yet authoritatively sounding Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (also called FINRA). Your odds in FINRA arbitrations are good. They pay off often. Study FINRA’s website.

What is dispute resolution?

Dispute resolution is supposed to be about facts and law. Rarely does it morph successfully into theatrics.

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.

Can PIABA sue mutual funds?

You can find them online easily. All they do is sue investment firms. 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.

How to find a lawyer?

Location is an important factor in looking for a lawyer to represent you. Since your issue will likely depend on state or local laws and regulations, you will want an attorney who understands the regulations for your location. On the practical side, you will also want a lawyer who has an office that is convenient for you to travel to. Some lawyers are willing to travel to meet you, but may also charge for travel time. It’s usually a good idea to find a lawyer located in your geographical area. Besides legal knowledge of state and local laws, lawyers also have practical local knowledge. Lawyers in specific cities or towns will also have connections to helpful agencies in that city, which will expedite the process of resolving your issue.

How to make sure your attorney responds to your inquiries?

Does the lawyer you are considering hiring accept (and respond to) communication via email? Will they respond if you send a text? Make sure they respond promptly (within 24 hours) to your initial inquiries-- you don’t want to hire a lawyer who won’t return your calls or avoids prompt communication about your case.

How important is it to understand a potential lawyer's availability?

It’s especially important to understand a potential lawyer’s availability. Will they be going on a three-week vacation in the middle of your case? Do they take phone calls after business hours? Do their legal assistants have a way to contact them if they are not in the office? You should have a good sense of how and when your lawyer will be available to communicate with you.

Is a bankruptcy attorney's fee refundable?

These are usually non-refundable if you choose to terminate the case early. Statutory Fee: Sometimes, state or local law determines a set amount that you owe your attorney for certain services, like bankruptcy cases and probate issues. A court may also set a statutory fee, though this isn’t standard.

What is an hourly rate for a lawyer?

Hourly Rate: Lawyers often charge an agreed-upon hourly rate for their work, and the work of their assistants. The hourly rate applies to both face-to-face consultations and behind-the-scenes work on your case. A good lawyer will usually be able to estimate the required number of hours per case in advance.

What does a lawyer do?

Your lawyer is your most important ally in any legal matter. They provide advice on how to proceed with your legal issue, and prepare important documents for you .

Is it always obvious whether an issue is a legal matter or something that can be resolved without involving the court

It’s not always obvious whether an issue is a legal matter or something that can be resolved without involving the court system. A lawyer will help you answer these initial questions. Once you’ve decided to hire a lawyer, then they have the power to represent you to the court and to opposing parties.

Who can refer you to a consumer lawyer?

An attorney you know or have worked with before may be able to refer you to an attorney who has experience in consumer law.

Can low income people get legal aid?

Low income consumers may qualify for legal aid. Find an office in your state here.

Do attorneys charge a fee?

Some attorneys may also offer free services, or charge a reduced fee. There may also be legal aid offices or legal clinics in your area that will offer their services for free if you meet certain criteria.

Why do you need a civil rights attorney?

Why hire a Civil rights attorney. A civil rights attorney helps protect the personal rights granted to you by the government. When someone violates those rights, a civil rights attorney can help you make them stop these violations, or repay you for any damage they have done to you.

What can a civil rights lawyer do?

What a Civil Rights lawyer can do for you. If someone has violated your civil rights by discriminating against you, it may be time to contact a civil rights attorney. Federal and state constitutions and discrimination laws define the extent of your civil rights. Law firms specializing in civil rights know how to protect the rights ...

Why are civil rights attorneys called discrimination lawyers?

In fact, civil rights attorneys are sometimes called discrimination attorneys because they frequently handle cases involving a person being treated differently based on gender, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

What to do if you don't have a lawyer?

Still, whether it's a divorce or you're being taken to court for something else, if you don't have a lawyer, a logical move would be to call the courthouse and ask who they would suggest going to. You think you're the first person who couldn't afford a lawyer? Hardly.

How to get free legal consultation?

Some attorneys will offer free consultations – usually by phone or videoconference. You aren't likely to come away feeling like you're ready to try your first case, but even if it's just a 15-minute call, you may at least get enough information to have a better sense of what legal morass you're in for. You might also be able to get some direction as to who can help you for free or a bargain basement price.

Can a lawyer represent you on contingency?

It's risky for lawyers to take cases on contingency, and they need to be confident a judge or jury will side with you, and that there's going to be something sizable awarded to you. While no legal expert will suggest you represent yourself, it is an option if you're in a financial bind.

Can you go to small claims court after divorce?

For instance, you can't go to small claims court if you're trying to work out your financial affairs after a divorce. But if the stakes are fairly low where someone owes you money or is trying to collect money from you, and it isn't worth risking lawyer fees, you might consider small claims court.

What time does the Akron Bar Association answer legal questions?

The Akron Bar Association, in Akron, Ohio, is an example of what's out there. You can call the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9 to 11 a.m., as part of their Ask an Attorney Service, and they'll answer legal questions for free.

What is lawhelp.org?

You can find more ideas at LawHelp.org, a nonprofit aimed at connecting people with low and moderate incomes to free legal aid programs in their communities.

Do low income people get legal aid?

And even if you have a low income, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll receive legal aid. According to a 2017 report by the Legal Services Corporation, a nonprofit established by Congress to ensure equal access to justice for all Americans, 86% of the civil legal problems reported by low-income Americans received inadequate or no legal help in the previous year.

What to think about before sueing a company?

1. Do You Have a Good Case? This may seem obvious, but you need to have a genuine legal claim or " cause of action " in order to have a court support your position .

What is the last step to take to avoid a lawsuit?

If you have done everything you can to avoid a lawsuit, then your last step is to sue the company. You need to be within the statute of limitations for your state, and you will need the company's legal business name, the name of the owner, and their contact information before you file the lawsuit.

What to expect when taking a case to court?

You can expect to gather evidence, have contact information for yourself and the other party, talk clearly in front of a judge or courtroom of people, and follow any court orders. Even if you do not win, taking your case to court means you must follow whatever the court decides.

What is a small claims court?

Each state's court system has some variation of " small claims court " or "conciliation" court, which only hears disputes in which a certain dollar amount is at issue (usually $5,000 or less).

Do you have to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations?

Laws that place a time limit on bringing a lawsuit are called " statutes of limitations .". You do not need to handle the entire case within the statute of limitations.

How does a lawsuit affect your life?

A lawsuit may take a lot of time and energy, and can be emotionally draining. Remember that you might find that you have less time and energy to devote to your work, business, family, and social life for the duration of the lawsuit. The case may involve completing demand letters and paperwork, filing at the clerk's office, waiting in court until your turn to speak, and following any of the judge's orders.

Is it cheaper to settle a lawsuit?

Lawsuits can be expensive, and recovering your attorneys' fees is often not an option. Ask your lawyer for an estimate of legal fees, and do the math. It may be cheaper to settle. Get legal advice from an attorney you trust and consider the amount of money you could win compared to the amount you'd get in a settlement.