Why Work With a New York Civil Litigation Attorney

To successfully resolve serious civil matters, one needs an experienced civil litigation attorney who is familiar with both the legal requirements of the process as well as how best to negotiate a resolution.

New York Civil Litigation FAQs

Q: How long does a lawsuit take?

A: The time period for a lawsuit varies widely depending on the type and complexity of the issues involved. Some legal matters can resolve quickly, sometimes before filing a formal complaint. The attorneys at Peters Brovner LLP will work to resolve your situation as quickly and diligently as possible, always keeping your best interests in mind.

 Q: What kinds of things should I consider before pursuing a civil lawsuit?

A: The first thing to consider before bringing a lawsuit is whether you have a valid claim — that is, did someone harm you in a way that the Courts recognize as entitling you to relief?

The next thing to consider is what relief and remedy are you seeking, and is it one that a Court can provide?  Finally, you should consider whether there is some form of alternative dispute resolution that might get you relief in a faster time frame.

The experienced civil attorneys at Peters Brovner LLP can help you answer all of these questions.

 Q: What’s the difference between a Civil and a Criminal Case

A: Criminal cases are prosecuted by government officials, whereas civil cases take place between plaintiffs, or private individuals/organizations.  Defendants in criminal cases can face time in prison or jail, whereas civil cases seek monetary damages or injunctive relief.

Q: How do I know when to hire an attorney?

A: The best time to speak with an attorney is as soon as you feel that you have an issue that needs legal redress.  Your attorney should be hired in plenty of time to understand the details of the case so that he or she can research and plan a defense or winning strategy.

Q: What is New York State’s Child Victim’s Act?

A: In February 2019, New York State passed a “lookback window,” the Child Victims Act (CVA), extending the statute of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse in criminal and civil cases in New York.

Under New York’s Child Victim’s Act, survivors could file civil claims against both private and public institutions including claims for negligence by the institution that allowed the abuse to occur.

The Child Victims Act allowed survivors of sexual abuse to hold powerful institutions liable for abuse that those institutions had tolerated for years. It helped more than eight-thousand survivors bring civil lawsuits and seek justice for the wrongs committed against them.

Q: What is the Statute of Limitations for Civil Litigation Cases?

A: The statute of limitations is the period of time you have to file a lawsuit after the injury or other incident about which you are suing.  If you fail to bring your lawsuit within the statute of limitations, your case can be dismissed at the outset and there will be no legal remedy available for you.

The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of injury and subject of the lawsuit, and can be as little as four months but more commonly is several years.  As such, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable attorney for legal advice as soon as you believe you have a lawsuit, to make sure that you do not lose your claims.

Q: Are There Alternatives to Litigation for Civil Matters?

A: Civil matters can often be resolved pre-litigation, either through direct negotiation with the other party or through mediation.  The New York attorneys at Peters Brovner represent individuals, businesses, and institutions in all aspects of litigation and pre-litigation dispute resolution.