How Long Does It Take to Litigate a Case?

Litigating a case is a term that is used to sum up the litigation process, this includes filing a complaint, presenting at trial, and all of the steps between the initial filing and the final court appearance at a jury or bench trial.

If you were in a circumstance where you feel your worker rights were violated, you need a legal professional on your side to determine what path is best for you. A Columbus employment attorney can answer your questions about your legal rights as an employee in Ohio.

What Are the Steps Involved In the Litigation Process?

The steps that are taken between filing a complaint and going to trial can vary from situation to situation. An experienced employment attorney has the knowledge to pave the path that is needed for a person to secure a settlement or judgment for an employer’s wrongdoing.

Some of the steps that could be involved in the litigation process include the following:

• Filing a complaint
• Written discovery
• Depositions
• Motions
• Mediation
• Summary judgement
• Trial

It is important to remember that litigating a case does not mean the case will end up being resolved in a traditional court of law. In some instances, disputes are resolved before that point. Essentially, each party is preparing a case that presents a strong argument, and would stand up if there were to be a jury trial, but it is often best to settle before trial. This is because there is no certainty what a judge or jury will decide when a case goes to trial. Settlements provide certainty for both parties as the result will otherwise be uncertain.

When Should I Expect to Have the Case Resolved?

A Columbus employment attorney can answer your questions about your legal rights as an Ohio worker or an Ohio employer. Each situation has its own issues to address, so case litigation timeframes vary.

Civil litigation is a process that often lasts more than a year, but this varies as most cases are resolved during the litigation process.

There are many involved in a case, so court time limitations need to be taken into consideration as well. Every judge has a large caseload to navigate. While it is their job to give lawyers the time they need to present a case, there can be court time limitations.

If you have a high value case, the timeline can take longer than a smaller value case, but that is a generalization. Estimates without knowing the details of the case are hard to determine, talking with an attorney is the best way to get a true understanding of how long your case will take to litigate.

Have your employment rights been violated? Or do you have questions about your legal issues as an employer? Contact the lawyers at Coffman Legal LLC. We are strong and committed advocates for all Ohio workers and use our experience and knowledge to help you. Call 614-949-1181 for a free and confidential consultation.