Your College Park, MD business litigation lawyer can help you through your business conflicts, and at Eric Siegel Law, we’re ready to use our 30 years of experience to walk you through the process. We’ve assisted clients with employment litigation, wage and hour claims, and more. Whatever the nature of your case, the first step is to get informed. Read on to see how courts handle business conflicts, and contact us today to get started.
The First Step Is Filing A Claim
When one side believes there has been a legal violation—like a breach of contract or unfair business practices, such as discrimination in the workplace—they can file a lawsuit in either state or federal court, depending on the case. This begins the formal legal process. The party bringing the claim is known as the plaintiff, and the one defending against it is the defendant.
Courts expect both sides to clearly explain their positions and provide documentation or evidence to support them. This could include written contracts, emails, invoices, or anything else that helps show what happened.
Discovery Helps Both Sides Gather Facts
After the case is filed, the court allows time for something called discovery. During this stage, both sides exchange information. Your business litigation lawyer may request records, take depositions, and submit written questions called interrogatories. This helps everyone involved get a clearer picture of the facts and prepares the case for trial—or possible settlement.
Discovery is often the longest part of a business lawsuit. It can take several months or even longer depending on the type and size of the dispute. It’s also where a lot of legal strategy takes shape.
Many Cases Settle Before Trial
Not every business conflict ends up in a courtroom. In fact, most commercial litigation is resolved through negotiation or mediation. During mediation, a neutral third party helps both sides try to reach a resolution. Courts sometimes even require mediation before setting a trial date.
We often recommend mediation or direct settlement talks when it makes sense for our clients. It can save time, money, and stress. That said, if the other side refuses to be reasonable, we’re always ready to move forward with litigation.
When A Case Goes To Trial
If a business dispute doesn’t settle, the court will schedule it for trial. This may be a bench trial (where a judge decides the outcome) or a jury trial, depending on the type of case. Each side presents evidence, examines witnesses, and makes arguments about why the law supports their position.
At the end of the trial, the judge or jury delivers a verdict. This could include orders to pay damages, return property, or stop a specific business practice.
Sometimes the losing party will file an appeal. This doesn’t start the case over but gives a higher court the chance to review whether the law was applied correctly. Appeals often focus more on legal rules than on the facts.
Work With Someone Who Knows The Process
Having a business litigation lawyer who understands court procedures and legal timelines can make the process smoother. At Eric Siegel Law, we’ve worked with businesses of all sizes to handle disputes both inside and outside the courtroom.
If you’re facing a conflict that seems headed toward court, we’re here for you. Reach out to Eric Siegel Law to get the representation and legal guidance you deserve.