Let’s begin by making sure you understand what litigation means in the legal process. ‘Litigo’ is the Latin word for dispute, which is what you will be in the midst of if you are in a conflict that needs to be resolved in court.
As long ago as 2018, The Law Society estimated that the average day in court would cost £2,692 . This can vary depending on the size of the claim and the complexity of the case.
The good news is that by searching online, you may be able to find litigation funding solutions to cover the costs associated with legal claims.
Steps in litigation
To understand the process, we will guide you through the steps you might encounter in any legal action. Although all cases differ, the structure of the process will normally follow these stages:
1. Pleadings
This is the initial process during which a claim is initiated by the plaintiff and the defendant responds. The latter will normally have to provide a defence within a specific time.
2. Discovery.
Both parties then have time to access information from the other side. Both parties also select witnesses and can file motions.
3. Pre-trial.
At this point, there is a chance to reach a settlement prior to the trial. If this arbitration is not successful, the matter will proceed to trial.
4. Trial
At this stage, the parties will appear in court and present their cases.
5. Verdict and settlement
Once the trial ends, a verdict will be reached involving the amount of any settlement and any costs incurred by either party.
6. Appeal
The losing party may consider an appeal if they are not happy with the outcome. This will incur more costs and is not always part of the litigation process.
Conclusion
It is important to know that there are companies that specialise in providing litigation funding solutions and helping you navigate the legal system. Both companies and individuals may face financial challenges, but help is available to make sure you can pursue the compensation you seek.
