1. Civil Lawsuits A dead tree falls Neighbor refuses Hire a lawyer &
on a car in driveway.
Neighbor refuses
to pay damages
Hire a lawyer &
file a complaint.
Defendant is sent
a summons from
the court.
Pretrial discussions-
to clarify differences
[settlement may be
offered.]
DISCOVERY Phase: each
Side gathers facts & evidence
Defendant answers
complaint.
[complaint & answer =
Pleadings]
Trial w/ jury or bench trial.
Through preponderance of
evidence a trial will be
settled.
Mediation used?
Helps sides come
to a consensus.
Not responsible
Responsible= remedy.
Usually in form of $$$
Arbitration used?
Arbitrator [judge]
decides the case.
Appeal: losing side believes
Judge errs or injustice takes
place
Civil Lawsuits

2. Pretrial discussions- to clarify differences [settlement may be
A dead tree falls
on a car in driveway.
Hire a lawyer &
file a complaint.
Pretrial discussions-
to clarify differences
[settlement may be
offered.]
Defendant answers
complaint.
[complaint & answer =
Pleadings] ?
Helps sides come
to a consensus.
Not responsible ?
Arbitrator [judge]
decides the case.
Civil Lawsuits
Appeal: losing side believes
Judge errs or injustice takes
Place

3. Pretrial discussions- to clarify differences [settlement may be .
Neighbor refuses
to pay damages
Pretrial discussions-
to clarify differences
[settlement may be
offered.]
Defendant answers
complaint.
[complaint & answer =
Pleadings]
Trial w/ jury or bench trial.
Through preponderance of
evidence a trial will be
settled. .
Civil Lawsuits

4. Civil Lawsuits