Understanding: Litigation
The Stages of a Litigation Trial
Pre trial
The pre-trial stage of the litigation process consists of investigating the case (this is called “discovery”), exchanging of information between the parties, and meetings and negotiations between both attorneys for each side of the case. Often, settlements may actually be reached during the pre-trial period.
Trial
Once the trial begins, each side argues their case before the judge or a jury. Prior to the trial, both the plaintiff and defendant usually provide briefs to a judge, laying out the arguments they will make and the evidence that will be utilized. A very small percentage of cases (approximately 2% in Cook County) ever make it all the way to trial.
Judgment
The judgment is the final outcome of a case after trial. This often involves a sum of money or a required act to be paid to the winning party by the losing party. collecting the judgment may arise, however, and the winning party can pursue the losing party further to recover what is owed to them.
Appeal
Each party involved in the litigation trial has the right to appeal if they are displeased with the result of the trial. Once an appeal is filed, the decision will go to a higher court that will analyze the arguments and evidence to asses if any legal errors that may change the outcome.
If you or someone you know may be in a legal dispute, contact Kershner Sledziewski Law today.