Civil court cases in the UK can arise in a variety of situations, from disputes between individuals or businesses to breaches of contract or negligence claims. If you find yourself in such a situation, it can be helpful to understand what happens in a civil court case and the potential costs involved.
What is the civil court?
In civil court, one person files a case against another person because of a dispute or problem between them. A business can also file a case in civil court or be sued in civil court. If someone loses a case in civil court, that person may be ordered to pay money to the other side or return property, but that person does not go to jail just for losing the case.
It's important to note that civil court cases are different from criminal cases. Civil cases deal with disputes between individuals or entities, while criminal cases involve the prosecution of a person or entity for breaking the law.
What are the different types of civil cases?
Civil court cases can be about:
● money and debts
● property
● housing – such as eviction, foreclosure or to fix bad living conditions
● an injury – such as from a car accident, medical malpractice or environmental harm
● marriage and children – such as divorce, child custody, child support, or guardianship
● traffic violations
● unemployment hearings and workers compensation
● Social Security and SSI benefits
● discrimination and civil rights violations
What happens in a civil court case?
In a civil case, the process usually starts with the claimant (the person or entity bringing the case) filing a claim with the court. This is done by completing a claim form, which sets out the details of the claim and the amount being sought. The claim form is then served on the defendant (the person or entity being sued).
The defendant has a certain amount of time to respond to the claim, usually around 14 days. They can either admit the claim, deny it, or acknowledge it and ask for more time to prepare their response. If the claim is denied, the case will proceed to a trial.
Before the trial, both parties will have the opportunity to gather evidence and exchange documents. This can include witness statements, expert reports, and other relevant information. The trial itself is usually held in front of a judge, who will hear evidence from both sides and make a decision based on the facts of the case.
How much will it cost?
It's worth noting that civil court cases can be expensive, particularly if you choose to hire a solicitor to represent you. The cost of a solicitor can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the experience of the solicitor. In some cases, you may be able to get legal aid to help cover the costs, but this will depend on your financial situation and the nature of the case.
Another potential cost to consider is the court fees, which can also vary depending on the value of the claim. For example, the fees for a claim worth between £10,000 and £200,000 is currently £5,000.
DJP Solicitors - Civil Case Experts
If you have a civil court case and need a solicitor. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at DJP solicitors for further assistance. Call us today on 01224 590053.
Yorumlar