General litigation refers to the process of resolving legal disputes through the court system.
It can involve both civil and criminal matters, such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, divorce cases, criminal charges, and more.
When attempting to resolve a dispute, you may initially opt for private negotiation or courthouse mediation.
However, if these efforts fail, seeking a judge’s decision becomes necessary – a clear indicator of your readiness for general litigation.
What is General Litigation?
Litigation is the process for resolving a legal dispute between parties through a lawsuit.
You can use litigation to solve all kinds of disputes, such as contract or warranty disputes, property disputes, car accidents and many others
A lawyer who practices general litigation can likely help you with most types of civil cases.
Common Forms of General Litigation
There are a number of different forms of general litigation.
Whilst they are all different, certain aspects of them can also overlap.
Plaintiff Personal Injury
In law, the plaintiff initiates a lawsuit against someone else.
In personal injury cases, the Claimant is typically the injured party seeking compensation from the party they believe caused the harm.
Compensation may cover pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, wrongful death, and more.
To succeed, the Claimant must prove that the defendant’s actions led to the personal injury.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation provides support for individuals harmed, killed, or made ill due to workplace accidents, negligence, or inadequate training.
It typically covers physical injuries but can also address issues like bullying, discrimination, harassment, unfair dismissal, and stress.
In the UK, all employers must carry Employers Liability Insurance to cover compensation claims.
If you believe you have a case against your employer, seeking guidance from a legal professional is crucial.
Labor Disputes
If you believe your employer has wronged you through professional negligence, contract breaches, or other business disputes, you can explore the option of litigation.
Typically, it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer, provide them with evidence against your employer, and receive guidance on the appropriate course of action.
Many businesses prefer to resolve these issues through mediation to protect their reputation before resorting to court proceedings.
Corporate Litigation
In the UK, corporate litigation falls within the realm of corporate law, affording investors the means to safeguard their interests in a company, including potential wrongs committed by the board of directors.
Typically, the plaintiff in corporate litigation is a shareholder, director, or member, but it can also involve disputes between business partners, such as cases involving fraud or breach of contract.
Corporate litigation may encompass a wide range of issues, including copyright disputes, breach of fiduciary duty, trademark infringement, and cases related to unfair competition.
Collection Litigation
Collection litigation refers to the collection of money that is payable to someone.
Lawyers will always try to obtain the money that is owed to their clients by other means before it goes to court, but in some cases, this is the most effective way of collecting the money that is owed to them.