404-636-4900 At Deming Parker, we bring 50+ years of experience in Georgia to support you through every step of your civil litigation case. From assessing your case and constructing compelling arguments, to strongly advocating for you during negotiations or in court, we can handle all legal aspects of your case on your behalf.
Columbus Civil Litigation Lawyers: No Matter What Issue You’re Having, We Can Help
When legal disputes between individuals or entities can’t be solved through negotiation, they often end up in court. In this situation, our experienced team of lawyers at Deming Parker can help you with:
- Thorough case analysis: We conduct in-depth assessments of the strengths and weaknesses of your case, providing valuable insights to guide our legal approach.
- Strategic evidence presentation: By strategically presenting evidence showcasing your case’s strengths, we aim to influence the opposing party’s willingness to offer favorable terms.
- Document preparation: Our lawyers will draft and file all necessary legal documents and pleadings, ensuring the paperwork meets the deadlines and requirements stipulated by law.
Your goals are our top priority. We align our negotiation tactics with your objectives, ensuring we advocate for settlements that reflect your priorities and expectations.
What is Civil Litigation?
Civil litigation is a legal process through which individuals or entities resolve non-criminal disputes in court. Unlike criminal cases, which are prosecuted by the state, civil litigation is initiated by individuals or businesses seeking compensation or other forms of remedies.
In Georgia, civil litigation is governed by the Civil Practice Act, outlined in O.C.G.A. § 9-11. This act governs the procedures and rules for civil legal proceedings in the state, including the commencement of actions, filing requirements, and other critical aspects of civil proceedings.
Georgia’s Deadlines and Restrictions for Civil Litigation Cases in Columbus
The statutes of limitations in Georgia, which are the deadlines and restrictions for filing civil litigation cases, vary depending on the nature of the claim:
- Personal injury: You have 2 years to file a claim for personal injuries.
- Injuries to reputation: Claims for injuries to reputation, such as defamation, must be filed within 1 year as per O.C.G.A.
- Loss of consortium: Claims for loss of consortium, which refers to the deprivation of the benefits of a family relationship due to injuries caused by another, must be filed within 4 years.
- Property damage: You have 4 years to file a claim for property damage as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32.
- Trespassing: Claims for trespassing also have a 4-year limitation period.
- Breach of contract: The statute of limitations for written contracts is 6 years as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24. For oral contracts, on the other hand, it’s 4 years (according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-26).
- Medical malpractice: Lastly, claims for medical malpractice must be filed within 2 years, with a possibility of extension of up to 5 years.
We invite you to discuss your case with a civil litigation attorney at Deming Parker to understand the deadlines and requirements for each type of claim.
Our Settlement Negotiation Strategies in Civil Litigation
A well-negotiated settlement saves time, reduces costs, and can result in a favorable outcome without requiring a lengthy trial.
At Deming Parker, our attorneys use diverse approaches to civil litigation to ensure your case is solved as effectively as possible, without compromising a favorable settlement. Some of our settlement negotiation strategies include:
Thorough Case Analysis
We believe that to develop an effective negotiation strategy, it’s essential to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the case’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential risks. This allows us to negotiate from a position of strength and advocate for the best possible settlement terms on your behalf.
Case Preparation
To successfully negotiate, we need to prepare first. That’s why our attorneys deeply analyze the case’s facts, evidence, and applicable laws to identify areas of leverage and potential compromise.
We also consider your goals and desired outcomes to determine a bargaining range and define a clear negotiation strategy, ensuring we prioritize your interests in the negotiation process.
Honest Communication
One of our core principles is maintaining transparent communication with you throughout the entire legal process. We seek your input on key decisions and keep you informed at every step, always ensuring you understand the implications of any proposed settlement terms.
This involves, for example, discussing all offers and counteroffers and providing clear explanations of potential outcomes.
Negotiation Techniques
The team of attorneys at Deming Parker employs various negotiation techniques to secure favorable settlements, including strategies like anchoring, where an extreme initial offer is made to influence the final settlement.
Damages You Can Claim in a Civil Litigation Case
Depending on your case’s nature and the harm suffered, we can help you pursue various forms of damages, such as:
Special Damages
Special damages cover quantifiable monetary losses resulting from the incident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and any other out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the defendant’s actions.
General Damages
General damages refer to compensation for non-monetary, intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, the plaintiff may be entitled to punitive damages, intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future. They are less common and are typically only awarded in cases of intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
Why Choose Our Columbus Civil Litigation Lawyers? – Over 50+ Years of Experience in Georgia
At Deming Parker, our lawyers are ready to help you build a strong case to prove the full extent of your losses and the opposing party’s liability. From initial consultation to final resolution, we provide comprehensive legal support, guiding you through every step of the litigation process.
If you are facing a civil litigation issue in Columbus, please contact us to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your case, advise you of your rights and options, and develop a customized legal strategy to help you achieve your goals.
