It’s pretty common knowledge we as Americans live in a very litigious society. Arguably, we are the most lawsuit-happy people on the planet.
- A new lawsuit is filed in the U.S. every two seconds
- There are five times as many lawyers here than there are in France
- 15 million civil suits are filed each year in America
- 80% of the world’s lawyers are in the United States
Before deciding to go through with filing a lawsuit, there are a few things to think about.
Do I Have a Case?
Any reputable attorney will be able to advise you on whether or not you have a case. Some obvious signs of wrongdoing are pretty clear cut. For example, if you have a written contract with someone and they breach it in some way, shape or form, you more than likely have a pretty good case against them right off the bat.
The only way to actually know if you have a viable case is to speak with a qualified attorney such as the legal team here at Pickard Parry Pfau.
Is Suing My Only Option?
Again, your attorney will advise you of any other alternatives that could apply to your specific situation. If there is, they will advise you to seek out that route before deciding to sue. Once all other routes have been exhausted then and only then will they suggest you move forward with a lawsuit.
A few other options besides suing include:
- Direct negotiations
- Mediation
- Small claims court
- Compromise agreement
What Would I Gain from a Lawsuit?
More often then not a lawsuit is filed in order to collect damages. It’s important to remember that even if you win your case, the other person may not be able to pay up for some time. You, however, could still be held responsible for any fees.
Also bear in mind, if the defendant doesn’t pay following the suit, you may have to hire out the services of an investigator to track down any and all assets. So additional out of pocket costs could be in your future if you decide to take the lawsuit route.
All in all, the most important thing to do when debating on whether or not to sue someone, always speak with a qualified attorney who is able to advise you of your rights.
