404-636-4900 Whether you’re dealing with a business dispute, a real estate disagreement, or a personal injury claim, securing a favorable outcome for a civil litigation case requires experienced legal representation. The team of attorneys at Deming Parker has been guiding people and businesses in Georgia to solve their cases for over 50 years, and we can do the same for you.
Macon Civil Litigation Lawyers: Putting Our Clients First Since 1974
Since our founding, Deming Parker has been at the forefront of civil litigation in Georgia, providing unmatched legal services to those in need. Our office in Macon houses a team of experienced lawyers who can offer you a guiding hand through every step of the legal process, from the day of the dispute to the resolution of the case.
Here are some ways in which we can assist you:
- Case evaluation: By conducting a thorough review of your case, we identify key legal issues and evidence, enabling us to build a strong case with robust arguments to defend your perspective.
- Strategic planning: At this stage, we’ll analyze legal precedents and apply relevant laws to your case, ensuring we choose the most effective path to achieve a successful outcome.
- Dedicated representation: We actively manage all aspects of your case, from filing legal documents promptly to representing you in court, striving to secure the best possible outcome.
- Aggressive advocacy: We leverage our negotiation skills and legal knowledge to advocate fiercely on your behalf, challenging opposing parties and helping you make informed decisions while easing the burden of the legal process.
What Is Civil Litigation and How Does It Work?
Civil litigation is the process of resolving private disputes in court or through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. Basically, it involves a plaintiff seeking compensation or other remedies from a defendant.
In Macon, the civil litigation process is governed by the Georgia Code Title 9, “Civil Practice”. Unlike criminal cases, which aim to punish unlawful behavior, civil litigation focuses on resolving private disputes and holding parties accountable for their actions.
The process starts with pleadings, where the plaintiff files a complaint and the defendant responds. This is followed by discovery, where both parties gather evidence.
After discovery, pre-trial motions may resolve or narrow the issues before trial, or even avoid the necessity for trial altogether. However, if the case does proceed to trial, both sides will present their cases to a judge or jury, who will then decide on the outcome with a verdict and judgment, including any awarded compensation.
Types of Civil Litigation Cases We Handle in Macon
Civil litigation covers a wide spectrum of legal disputes, reflecting the diverse challenges individuals and businesses face today. From contractual disagreements and property disputes to personal injury claims and employment conflicts, the range of cases under the civil litigation umbrella is vast. Each case presents unique facts, legal issues, and personal stakes for those involved.
Given this diversity, a one-size-fits-all approach to legal strategy falls short. Tailoring a legal strategy to the specifics of each case is not just beneficial—it’s essential, and it’s our main priority at Deming Parker.
To do this, we perform a deep dive into the specifics of the dispute, followed by a thorough understanding of the applicable laws in Macon, and a nuanced assessment of your goals and the best path to achieve them.
With that said, we handle a broad spectrum of civil litigation cases, including but not limited to:
- Business disputes
- Employment conflicts
- Real estate litigations
- Intellectual property disputes
- Personal injury cases
Damages You Can Recover In a Civil Litigation Case
In civil litigation, the remedies sought by plaintiffs typically fall into three main categories: compensatory damages, punitive damages, and injunctive relief. Each serves a distinct purpose to address grievances and restore justice.
Again, the damages you can pursue depend on the nature of the case. Let’s see each one with a little more detail:
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages, as outlined in the Georgia Code § 51-12, compensate the plaintiff for the losses suffered due to the defendant’s misconduct or negligence. These damages are designed to make the plaintiff “whole” again (to the extent that money can do so, of course).
On the other hand, compensatory damages can be economic (covering tangible losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage) or non-economic (addressing intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life).
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are commonly awarded in addition to compensatory damages when the defendant’s actions are found to be especially malicious or reckless. Not all cases qualify for punitive damages, as they require a higher standard of proof of the defendant’s misconduct.
The primary purpose of punitive damages is not to compensate the plaintiff but to punish the defendant for their wrongful conduct and deter similar behavior in the future. They are governed by Georgia Code § 51-12-5.1.
Injunctive Relief
Injunctive relief is a court order that requires the defendant to do or refrain from doing specific acts. Unlike compensatory and punitive damages, which involve monetary awards, injunctive relief aims to prevent or rectify harm through direct court intervention. You can find more about injunctive relief in Georgia Code § 9-5.
This type of remedy is common in disputes involving intellectual property, real estate, and contracts, where stopping a particular action or enforcing a behavior is more pertinent to solving the dispute than financial compensation.
The Statute of Limitations for Civil Litigation Cases
The statute of limitations in civil litigation cases sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit, beyond which you’ll lose your right to sue, and thus your ability to seek compensation for the damages incurred.
In Georgia, the statute of limitations varies depending on the nature of the claim. For personal injury cases, libel/slander, and fraud, Georgia Code § 9-3-33 mandates a two-year period within which to file a lawsuit.
When it comes to injury to personal property, the statute of limitations extends to four years (Georgia Code § 9-3-32). This longer period also applies to cases involving trespass or debt collection, governed respectively by the sections § 9-3-30 and § 9-3-25.
On the other hand, professional malpractice (which includes cases against healthcare providers or legal professionals), is subject to a two-year statute of limitations, the same as in personal injury. However, there is also a maximum limit of five years, as per Georgia Code § 9-3-71, to account for situations where there are long-term consequences.
Speak With a Civil Litigation Attorney in Macon, Georgia
When facing a legal dispute in Macon, the experienced attorneys at Deming Parker will provide the guidance and representation you need. With a proven record of success in previous cases and a commitment to protecting your rights and best interests, we can help you maximize compensation and achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you. We’ll answer all your questions, evaluate your case, and discuss the right legal strategy to pursue moving forward.
