Get An Experienced, Tough Litigator On Your Side
Civil litigation is typically a high-stakes venture. A win or a loss in a civil claim can be a pivotal moment in financial affairs, relations between neighbors, or family law matters. Whether you are the plaintiff or defendant in a civil case, you want to be thoroughly prepared and equipped to give your best efforts. With our firm on your side, you stand a strong chance of a favorable outcome in any contest.
At FrancePaskeySwope, our attorneys have earned a well-deserved reputation for skill and success in civil litigation. We are tough opponents who work hard on behalf of individuals, families and companies. Our firm is available for co-counsel representation of out-of-state clients and other complex legal situations.
Let Us Move Your Case Forward
Our firm’s areas of civil litigation include:
- Business, corporate and employment litigation
- Breach of contract claims
- Property damage claims
- Insurance claims
- Construction litigation
- Consumer litigation
- Property division, child custody modifications and other family law matters
Our track record of fierce, thorough representation of a wide range of clients over the years has led to countless referrals from legal colleagues. Our firm’s small size means that you will get personalized attention, but thanks to our team approach, you will also have access to the strengths of several attorneys. Our ample resources can make a great difference in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about your civil litigation options? To get started, here are a few of the questions our firm sees the most.
When should I pursue civil litigation?
Civil litigation is often needed when there has been financial harm to one party through the other’s negligent, reckless or deliberate actions. Civil litigation might involve a broken contract that financially harmed your business or an accident that caused significant property damage, for example. You may need to go to court to get a ruling ordering the other party to pay appropriate compensation.
Civil litigation can also be used simply when both sides do not agree. For instance, it can be used to resolve employment disputes or boundary issues. When two sides can’t find common ground, a decision is still needed, and that’s when litigation is used to get that decision from the court.
What are the potential outcomes of civil litigation?
It varies from case to case. The court can issue a ruling outlining how the parties have to act moving forward. Maybe they will modify a child custody order to give a parent more time with their child or to allow them to relocate. Or perhaps they will order that a business owner has to pay compensation because they breached the contract, violating the terms and causing financial harm to the other business owner.
Can I settle a civil dispute without going to court?
In some cases, it is possible to avoid court. When willing, the parties can reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation. This helps them to work toward finding a solution on their own, perhaps with a third-party neutral guiding the process. But this isn’t always a successful process, so litigation and an official ruling may be necessary, and that means going to court.
What is the burden of proof in a civil case?
Civil cases are much different than criminal cases, which have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil case, a preponderance of evidence can be used to show that it is more likely than not that something occurred. This is why someone could be acquitted in a criminal trial because there is reasonable doubt, but they could still be ordered to pay financial compensation through a civil suit, where the preponderance of evidence still suggests that they were responsible.
Request A Case Evaluation
Do you wonder if your case is viable? Would you like an experienced litigation attorney’s opinion about how you should proceed? We can help you weigh the odds and make decisions in your own best interest. Should you negotiate a settlement or press forward to court? Draw on our attorneys’ knowledge and experience.
To schedule a consultation with a Pennsylvania lawyer, call 717-931-5994 or email us through this website. We are eager to hear about your pending civil litigation matter and offer recommendations about your next steps.