Civil disputes are private matters where a person seeks compensation outside of criminal law. If someone has caused you harm, such as an injury, or they have deprived you of business or property, then you may be able to pursue a civil case against them. Civil litigation is the process of taking these matters to court.

Oklahoma City civil litigation requires the assistance of a skilled attorney who has your best interest at heart. At Palmer Law, we are prepared to take your case to court if necessary and will always prioritize securing a positive outcome for our clients.

If you are facing a legal battle and are looking for dedicated representation, you have come to the right place.

To arrange a free consultation, contact us today at 405-877-7112

Civil Litigation Cases Defined

Civil litigation is the process of resolving disputes between parties who are trying to navigate non-criminal matters. Litigation involves court proceedings, and both parties are usually represented by an attorney.

Civil litigation can be used to resolve a broad range of disputes, including custody cases and other family disputes, breaches of contract, intellectual property disputes, employment disputes or personal injury cases.

Civil litigation law is a broad category, and at Palmer Law, our law firm covers family law, personal injury, business law, criminal defense, estate planning, military law, and more. Whatever type of civil litigation dispute you are facing, contact our law practice today for a free consultation and find out how we can help.

Types of Civil Litigation in Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City civil litigation is a broad term, and at Palmer Law we have experience helping people with a wide range of issues.

Some of the most common include:

We offer a free consultation, so regardless of the civil dispute you are facing, contact us today and seek some initial advice. We will assess your case, determine whether we can help, and help you decide what your next steps should be.

How Are Civil Litigation Cases Settled in Oklahoma City, OK?

In the state of Oklahoma, very few civil cases result in a trial. That’s because court proceedings are time-consuming and expensive. The majority are settlements using mediation and negotiation. However, if a settlement cannot be agreed upon, you need an Oklahoma attorney who is prepared to fight for your rights before a judge. At Palmer Law, we have the necessary skills in and out of the courtroom and will always prioritize methods that benefit our clients the most.

In order for our Oklahoma civil litigation lawyers to build you a strong case, they will need to gather evidence to support your claim depending on the details of your case, which could include financial records, police reports, witness statements, medical records, and more. They will use this evidence to build a robust case that is difficult to challenge.

Why Do I Need an Experienced Oklahoma Civil Litigation Attorney?

Although civil litigation does not deal with criminal matters, it is still advisable to seek representation from an attorney who can protect your rights and fight for your best interests.

For example, if you are facing a child custody case, then the outcome could affect you and your children for the rest of your life. Alternatively, if you have been injured in a car accident, you should not have to suffer financially and deserve compensation for your suffering.

Some people put off seeking representation because they believe that the legal system will protect them. However, this is not always the case. If the other party has representation and you do not, then it is unlikely you will achieve a result that works in your favor. Regardless of your situation and your involvement in it, securing the representation of an Oklahoma City civil litigation attorney could be the best thing you ever do.

Questions to Ask Potential Law Firms

Choosing an experienced attorney to represent you is incredibly important. Otherwise, you risk wasting money and time and complicating your situation.

The best way to evaluate potential law firms is to seek a free consultation. This gives you the opportunity to ask the right questions and decide if your potential attorney is a good fit. You may want to consider asking questions such as:

  • What is your fee structure, and how much is my case likely to cost?
  • What does a good settlement look like in my case, and how do we achieve it?
  • How can I contact you, and how soon can I expect a response?
  • Have you handled similar cases to mine in the past?
  • Can you show me testimonials from previous clients?
  • What level of experience do you have representing people in court?

An Overview of Litigation in Oklahoma

The litigation process can be confusing and intimidating. Fortunately, you won’t have to worry when you have an experienced litigation attorney to guide you.

Filing The Lawsuit and Service of Process

The first step of every lawsuit is the filing of a Petition by one or more plaintiffs. The party initiating the lawsuit may be referred to as an applicant, while the parties being served may be called the respondent instead of a defendant.

The Petition sets forth the plaintiff’s claims against the defendant. The Petition will be served alongside the Summons, which are issued by the Court Clerk and provides notice to the defendant, giving them 20 days to provide an Answer. The defendant can choose to extend by 20 days by filing for an Entry of Appearance, which will identify their attorney.

These official documents can be served in various ways, usually a private process server, but certified mail is also an option.

The Answer, Defenses, and Counterclaims

The defendant needs to file an Answer before the deadline, or they will be considered to have admitted to the claims in the Petition. The Answer will admit, deny, or claim to have insufficient evidence for either.

The defendant is also legally obliged to raise Affirmative Defenses, and other matters in their answer, or the other matters are deemed waived.

If the defendant has any claims of their own arising from the same situation or event, then they must assert them in their Answer in the existing case. These are called Compulsory Counterclaims.

The Defendant could also have the option to file a Motion to Dismiss before filing an Answer to raise defenses that could end the lawsuit without further litigation.

Considering the importance of deadlines and how the defendant responds, it is essential that they have proper legal representation.

Discovery

All plaintiffs and defendants involved in a lawsuit may obtain information about the case in a process called discovery. This usually starts after the Answer has been filed. The discovery process is time-consuming and expensive. However, it is the key to understanding the facts of the case and the strengths and weaknesses.

There are many methods used in the discovery process, such as:

  • Written Interrogatories – Questions served and answered in writing and signed under oath within 30 days.
  • Requests for Production – Ask for certain documents, which must be provided within 30 days.
  • Requests for Admissions – Ask for the recipient to admit or deny certain facts within 30 days.
  • Subpoenas – Are used to obtain information or materials from third parties who are not directly involved in the lawsuit.
  • Oral Depositions – Either parties or non-parties can be compelled to appear in court and answer questions under oath.

Trial Schedule and Motions

Once the Petition is filed and all defendants have filed their answers (or failed to do so within the deadline), one party will file a Motion to Enter. This is a formal request for the court to set a trial schedule for the case. Based on the date chosen, the court will enter a Scheduling Order which sets deadlines for certain information such as discovery requests. There may be several court hearings that parties will need to attend before the actual trial.

Shortly before trial, litigation attorneys will meet with the judge in a Pretrial Conference in order to familiarize the Judge with the remaining issues and ensure that both parties are ready for trial.

Mediation and Settlement

The majority of civil litigation cases never go to trial. Instead, they are settled at some point in the litigation process. To discuss a potential settlement, parties will often attend mediation sessions, which could be ordered by a judge. If an agreement cannot be reached, a trial will be pursued.

Oklahoma City Civil Litigation FAQs

How much do lawyers cost in Oklahoma City, OK?

In Oklahoma City, there is no set price for lawyers. The amount that lawyers cost will depend on several factors. These can include the complexity of the case, the duration of the case, the profile of the clients, and more.

At Palmer Law, we offer competitive rates. Our law firm will work hard to help you achieve the outcome you deserve. If you are a defendant in a federal court, you will need the very best lawyers backing your case. Our Oklahoma City civil litigation lawyers have a vast amount of experience and cover several practice areas.

How do I file a civil lawsuit in Oklahoma?

A lawsuit will formally begin in Oklahoma when a Petition is filed by one or more parties.

If you are planning on filing a civil lawsuit in Oklahoma, we strongly suggest that you contact a law firm for assistance. All legal matters should be taken seriously. A lawyer will be able to aid you through this process. You should not have to go through this alone.

How long do you have to file a civil suit in Oklahoma?

The amount of time you have to file a civil suit in Oklahoma City will depend on the type of suit you wish to file. For example, you have two years to file for personal injury, medical malpractice, and fraud. However, you only have one year to file for defamation.

If you or a loved one has been hurt or negatively impacted through no fault of your own, you must act quickly. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. If you’re not careful, you will miss your opportunity to make a claim and win compensation.

Contact Our Oklahoma, OK. Civil Litigation Lawyers Today

If you require a civil litigation lawyer, look no further. At Palmer Law, we can help you.

Our full-service law firm is located in Oklahoma and we can serve cases across the state. Our other practice areas include personal injury law, employment law, corporate law, criminal law, family law, military law, and more.

Our approach to the attorney-client relationship is second to none, and we have experience in both state and federal courts.

If you are facing legal issues, don’t waste another second. Schedule your free consultation with our Oklahoma City civil litigation lawyers today at 405-877-7112