Finding out that you’ve been wronged can be infuriating and scary. It’s tempting to try to go after the person or entity that wronged you yourself, but legal action should only be taken as a last resort. Filing a civil lawsuit may seem like an impossible undertaking, but with the right guidance, it’s easier than you might think. This step-by-step guide will help you understand how to file a civil lawsuit in Colorado, from hiring an attorney to filing the complaint in court.
Filing a lawsuit in Colorado – what you need to know
You can file a civil lawsuit in Colorado for any injury, damage, or wrongful death that is caused by a breach of contract, breach of warranty, personal injury, or property damage. If you have been injured and you believe that the person responsible was acting negligently or recklessly when they hurt you, then you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.
The following are general guidelines for filing a civil lawsuit in Colorado. Your case will need to be filed with the correct court depending on the type of claim (personal injury, negligence, etc.).
Once you file your suit in court, it will go through several steps before a final judgment is reached, including discovery, settlement negotiation, or trial.
The steps involved in filing a civil lawsuit in Colorado
The first step in filing a civil lawsuit in Colorado is deciding what type of lawsuit you want to file. There are three types of civil lawsuits, each with its own set of rules and requirements. The three types are small claims, regular civil, and federal court. After deciding on the type of lawsuit, you must research the applicable statutes and regulations that will apply to your case.
What to expect once you’ve filed your lawsuit
Once you’ve filed your lawsuit, be prepared for at least a few months of waiting to hear back about the status. If you’ve filed a complaint in civil court, it can take up to six months before the case is called for an initial status hearing. If you’ve filed a lawsuit in district court, it can take as long as eight months to get your case on the trial docket.
You might also need to wait two years or more before seeing a final decision handed down. The judge assigned to your case will set a trial date after considering how much time has passed since you filed suit and other factors like whether or not any witnesses are still alive.
Resources to help you through the process
The process of filing a civil lawsuit in Colorado can be complicated. It is important to work with a lawyer that has experience in the area of law you are filing the suit for, such as personal injury, employment law, or family law. If you have been wronged by someone and want to file a civil lawsuit in Colorado, please feel free to contact us.
Conclusion
This has been a step-by-step guide to filing a civil lawsuit in the state of Colorado. If you want to file a lawsuit in another state, you can find out where the courthouse is and get help from the clerk’s office.
