Filing a Lawsuit in Longview, Marshall and Rusk or Upshur County
Getting Help with the Laws in Texas
Sloan, Bagley, Hatcher & Perry, practicing law in Longview, Marshall, Rusk County and Upshur County, are experienced attorneys vigorous in the pursuit of justice. As anyone who practices law in Longview, Marshall, Rusk County or Upshur County can attest, such vigorous pursuits require extensive experience and well-honed skills to achieve strong results.
When you need to file a lawsuit in Longview, Marshall, Rusk County or Upshur County, use seasoned lawyers with strong local reputations—such as the legal team at Sloan, Bagley, Hatcher & Perry. We make the often convoluted and complicated tort law process go much quicker and easier, compared to working with an inexperienced lawyer or attempting to file your own claim.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Filing Lawsuits in Rusk County and Upshur County, Texas
Here is an overview of the legal process you experience when filing a personal injury lawsuit in Longview, Marshall, Rusk County or Upshur County.
Step #1—Claims Investigation
Before our law firm files a lawsuit, we evaluate your situation to determine the strength of your case. To do so, we meet with you in a free initial consultation to hear the details of the accident, including: what happened, when and how it occurred, what harm you suffered as a result, and how those liable for the damage have responded, if at all, to your requests for compensation. From this initial consultation, we may have enough information to make a preliminary assessment regarding the strength of your case and the likelihood of recovering damages from the negligent parties.
If you decide to move forward with your lawsuit, we sign an agreement that describes our contingency fee arrangement, explaining that you do not pay for our services until and unless you receive a settlement or a court award.
Step #2—Filing a Complaint
The legal complaint is a written statement submitted to the court and served upon the named defendant. The complaint establishes you as the plaintiff, describes what happened, and names the defendants. The defendants then have an appointed amount of time to submit a legal response to your complaint.
Step #3—Case Discovery
In the pretrial discovery phase of your Upshur County or Rusk County lawsuit, both parties prepare for trial, which commonly includes:
- Depositions—Recording sworn testimonies of the defendants and plaintiff. Depositions often take place in our Longview law office or the defense attorney's office.
- Case research—Requesting and analyzing documents from the other party to verify claims and build a case.
- Case reinforcement—Getting expert opinions and identifying witnesses.
- Analysis—Studying the evidence, depositions, and witness statements.
- Negotiations—Seeking out-of-court settlement offers that, if acceptable to both parties, may allow you to recover damages without the extra burden and time of a trial.
Step #4—Settlement Negotiations
Often, we are able to negotiate a fair pretrial settlement. If you are agreeable to the offer put forth by the defense, a written agreement is drawn up that defines the terms of the settlement, including the amount and how it is to be paid out. This agreement also states that in exchange for your settlement, you agree to drop the lawsuit.
Step #5—Trial
If the defense never offers an acceptable agreement, we move forward with your lawsuit, representing you before a judge or jury who determines the degree of fault and how much the defendant must pay under personal injury law.
Help Filing an Upshur County Lawsuit or Rusk County Lawsuit
The first and most important step toward seeking recovery for your losses in a Rusk County lawsuit or Upshur County lawsuit is to contact us online or call 903-757-7000 to arrange a free consultation at our Marshall or Longview legal office.
