Civil litigation lawyer serving Mississauga, Ontario
Do you feel it would be to your benefit to initiate a claim against another party for a violation of your civil rights? Have you been sued or received legal papers that require a response? It is important to obtain qualified legal advice promptly! As a civil litigation lawyer Mr. Tarunjeet Gujral represents clients throughout the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario.
Do you need a civil litigation lawyer in Mississauga, Ontario?
Civil litigation generally refers to the court process of fighting contractual disputes and other civil legal issues. The intent of the civil justice system is to hold individuals and businesses accountable for their actions (or lack thereof). Those who are not diligent in their activities or conduct non-compliant operations are at risk of a civil lawsuit. They may be sued for carelessness or failing to uphold their end of a written or oral agreement. Without the legal advice of an experienced civil rights lawyer, they may face serious financial and reputational consequences.
Gujral Law Professional Corporation provides legal services in the following areas:
- Civil litigation, from inception to trials at various levels
- Civil motions and civil applications
- Claim discovery and cross examination
- Contractual litigation
- Commercial litigation including shareholder disputes
- Construction and general liens
- Landlord Tenant Board/Social Benefit Tribunal
- Real estate and mortgage litigation – commercial and residential
- Small claim matters
You may file a Statement of Claim to start a civil litigation suit against a party who has caused financial loss or physical damage, regardless of whether the loss was intended or not. However, if damage was deliberately inflicted you may be entitled to punitive or exemplary damages, with recovery exceeding your actual loss.
Filing a lawsuit is serious. Although a civil action can be filed without legal assistance, the system is complicated and technical. In Ontario, the loser generally must pay his own legal fees plus all or part of the winner’s costs. Mr. Gujral can help you determine if a reasonable offer to settle at the earliest possible stage makes sense.
FAQs
What are some of the most common types of civil cases?
These non-criminal cases include breaches of contract, negligence, property and real estate disputes, employment law cases, and class action lawsuits. As a skilled litigator and a lawyer with experience in family law, real estate law, and business law, Tarunjeet Gujral has successfully resolved all of the types of cases mentioned here and so much more. During an initial visit, we can discuss your needs to determine the best next steps for you and/or your organization.
What is the process of litigating a civil case?
Your situation is one of a kind, but in general, the process goes like this:
- The plaintiff (person taking legal action) files a statement outlining their complaint and remedies that they seek.
- The defendant (person being sued) files a statement of defense.
- The parties involved exchange relevant documents. Each party is then questioned (under oath) to clarify evidence and claims.
- Attempts will likely be made to avoid the case going to trial.
- If the case is not settled through other means, it goes to trial.
- A decision is made by either a judge or a jury. The “losing” party may appeal to a higher court.
- The winning party may take additional legal action to enforce the judgment as necessary; for instance, assets may be seized and wages may be garnished.
How do I avoid going to trial?
We may discuss alternatives to dispute resolution, including mediation. Our lawyer is a trained and qualified mediator who has helped parties reach an agreeable resolution to their conflicts in an affordable, efficient manner that also allows the client to retain control of their own fate and potentially preserve important and valuable relationships with the other party.
How much does civil litigation cost?
In general, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) costs considerably less than litigation. The specific costs can vary widely depending on factors such as the court filing fees, disbursements, the complexity of your case, and the risk or potential that you may be on the hook to pay a portion of the other party’s legal costs (depending on the outcome from the trial or the judge’s/jury’s final decision). Gujral Law Professional Corporation is very open and upfront about any estimates, fees, and additional expenses beyond fees and billing.
How long will it take?
If we end up going to trial, here again, the timeframe can vary widely, just like the associated costs of litigation. We could be in the process of litigating your case for years. Mediation and other ADR services allow for cases to be settled much faster. However, we know that clients’ wishes and circumstances are diverse. Regardless of your needs, we strive to resolve all cases favourably on behalf of our clients. So, they can move forward with their lives.
What is the burden and standard of proof?
The plaintiff or party bringing forth the claim usually bears the burden of proving that their version of the facts is more likely than not. This “balance of probabilities” is the “standard of proof.”
Why can’t I just represent myself?
Seeking resolution of conflicts and disputes through proper legal channels is a daunting task for anyone, let alone someone who is not an experienced and qualified legal professional. By enlisting our expertise, you have a lawyer on your side who understands the complexities and nuances of civil law and court rules to ensure the best course of action, in accordance with proper procedures, which then supports the best outcomes for you.
