General Litigation
Everyone knows that litigation is costly in a myriad of ways. Litigation, whether for an individual or an business, is stressful. Finding the right attorney to represent you is the first part of success in resolving the dispute. At Weiss, Tom & Trapanese, LLC, we have decades of experience representing clients in New Jersey in general litigation matters. Our experienced attorneys have handled cases in the following areas for individual clients: personal injury, property damage, breach of contracts, landlord/tenant, and consumer litigation. We have represented numerous business entities as well in those areas of law. In addition, our business clients have trusted us in handling everything from collections matters to disputes involving employment related restrictive covenants or shareholder disputes.
Typically, litigation starts with the filing of a complaint by one party. The other party is then served with the complaint and they have the opportunity to assert whatever defenses they may have to the allegations in the complaint in the form of an answer. Generally, this is not the costly part of the process. After an answer has been filed, the parties engage in what is known as discovery. This discovery process is what helps flesh out the strengths and weaknesses of each party's position. The undertaking of discovery is expensive. It not only includes asking written questions of the other party, but also making document demands. Subpoenaes to non-interested parties may be required when the documents are not readily in the possession of either party.
Depositions are the oral questioning of a party and a fact or expert witness. If there is a damage issue, a party may be required to obtain experts reports as to the cause of the injury or the amount of damages sustained. This typically requires an outlay of significant monies by the client. Once discovery is completed, the courts generally direct some type of alternate dispute resolution be engaged in. This could either be mediation or an arbitration with an experienced professional. There the costs of the same are paid by the parties to the litigation. If the case remains unresolved, then a trial will be scheduled before a Judge. Preparation and the attendance in court for trial will be financially taxing. Once the trial is concluded and a decision rendered by a jury or the court, obtaining what has been awarded may also be time-consuming and costly.
Our litigation lawyers have vigorously and successfully represented many clients throughout the years whether as a Plaintiff or a Defendant. We know how to manage litigation from start to finish. Our attorneys will work hard on your behalf to accomplish your goals. Obtaining the best result for our clients given the circumstances is our goal too.
