7 Types of Civil Cases You Can Sue for in Court

Ever found yourself in a situation where you felt like someone wronged you and justice wasn’t served? Maybe you were in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, or a business partner failed to hold up their end of the bargain.

When this happens, civil court may be your best recourse for seeking compensation or resolution. From personal injury claims to disputes over property or employment, there are several things you can sue for in civil court. Typically filed by businesses or individuals, civil lawsuits seek compensation for damages or other remedies for harm done.

So if you feel like you’ve been wronged and are considering a civil action, here are the seven most common types of civil cases you can take to court.

1. Personal Injury Claims

Personal injury claims are legal disputes that arise when one person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else might be legally responsible for that harm. Filing a personal injury claim aims to seek compensation for the losses incurred due to the other party’s actions.

To be eligible for compensation, you must file a claim with the court within a specified period after the incident. You must provide documentation and evidence showing how you were harmed, such as medical bills or witness statements.

The filing process can be complex, requiring legal procedures and terminology knowledge. Therefore, consulting with an experienced attorney specializing in personal injury cases is advisable. You can increase your chances of receiving adequate compensation for your losses with proper guidance.

2. Breach of Contract

When parties enter into an agreement, they’re expected to hold up their end of the bargain. If one party fails to do so, it may be considered a breach of contract and could lead to legal action.

Enforceability concerns can arise if the contract terms weren’t clearly defined or if there was no consideration given in exchange for the promise made.

Damages available in a breach of contract case can vary depending on the circumstances. They may include compensatory damages to cover any losses suffered by the non-breaching party due to the breach, such as lost profits or expenses incurred to find another party to fulfill the contract.

Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases involving intentional misconduct or fraud. It’s important for parties entering into contracts to ensure that all terms are clearly defined and agreed upon to avoid potential breaches and legal disputes.

3. Property Disputes

If you’re in a property dispute, it’s important to understand your legal options. Property boundary disputes can arise when there’s a disagreement about where one person’s property ends and another person’s begins. In these cases, you may need to hire a surveyor or seek mediation services to resolve the issue.

Another type of property dispute involves eminent domain laws. Eminent domain allows the government to take private property for public use, but the owner must receive just compensation. If you believe your property has been taken without just compensation, you can file a lawsuit against the government agency responsible. It’s important to consult an experienced civil litigation attorney who can guide you through this complex legal process and help protect your rights as a property owner.

4. Employment Disputes

You may encounter situations where you feel discriminated against, harassed, underpaid, or wrongfully terminated. When this happens, you may have cause for a civil case.

Discrimination and Harassment

If you’ve been subjected to workplace bullying or cyberstalking based on your race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability, you have the right to seek legal redress.

Discrimination can take many forms, including being singled out for different treatment at work or being passed over for promotion due to these characteristics.

Harassment in the workplace is also illegal and can include unwanted physical advances, inappropriate comments or jokes about someone’s protected status, or creating a hostile work environment.

Employers are required by law to provide safe working environments free from discrimination and harassment. If your employer fails to address this issue properly, filing a lawsuit against them may be necessary.

Wrongful Termination

If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated from your job, you may have legal recourse to seek compensation for the damages caused. Employment law reform has helped address wrongful terminations and provided a framework for employees to protect their rights.

For instance, some states have enacted laws that prohibit employers from firing employees based on discriminatory practices such as age, race, or gender. Additionally, some laws protect whistleblowers who report wrongdoing within their companies.

It’s important to consult a qualified attorney to determine if you have a case for wrongful termination and what remedies are available under the law.

Wage and Hour Disputes

Unpaid overtime is when an employer fails to pay employees the appropriate rate for working more than 40 hours a week. This violation can result in a significant amount of money owed to the employee.

Minimum wage violations occur when employers fail to pay their workers the minimum hourly wage. These violations can also increase over time and result in substantial employee losses.

If you have experienced either of these situations, taking legal action as soon as possible is crucial to protect your rights and receive compensation for any damages incurred.

5. Consumer Protection

Consumer fraud happens when a company misrepresents or withholds information about its product or service, leading consumers to purchase based on false pretenses. This can include deceptive advertising, false labeling, and bait-and-switch tactics.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of consumer fraud, you may be able to sue for damages.

Another common issue in consumer protection is product liability. This occurs when a company produces a defective product that causes harm or injury to the user. The company can be held responsible for any damages resulting from the defect, including medical expenses and lost wages.

6. Intellectual Property

Trademark infringement occurs when someone uses a trademark that is the same or similar to yours without permission. A trademark is a symbol, word, phrase, or design that identifies and distinguishes your brand from others. You can sue for damages if someone infringes on your trademark and causes consumer confusion.

Similarly, patent infringement happens when someone uses, makes, sells, or imports an invention covered by your patent without permission. If you find out that someone has infringed on your patent, you can take legal action and seek compensation for any losses you have suffered due to the infringement.

7. Landlord-Tenant Disputes

If you don’t carefully review the lease agreement before signing, you could face legal issues. Lease agreements are legally binding contracts between a landlord and tenant that outline the terms and conditions of renting a property. Read through the entire agreement and ask questions or clarifications before signing.

One crucial aspect to pay attention to in a lease agreement is the termination clause. This clause outlines how either party can end the lease before its expiration date, including reasons for early termination and notice requirements. Failure to comply with these terms could result in legal action against you.

Wondering if You Have a Civil Case?

At The Titus Law Firm, we’re here to help you find the answers. Our experienced civil litigation attorneys are ready to evaluate your situation and provide the guidance you need. Take the first step towards justice—contact us today for a free consultation and let us assess the strength of your potential case. Don’t wait, reach out now and protect your rights.