Rhode Island Litigation FAQS Written By a Rhode Island (RI) Attorney / Lawyer
By: David Slepkow, Rhode Island Lawyer | Posted: 15th June 2007
1) I believe that I have been wronged by another individual or entity , what should I do next?
You should contact an attorney promptly. One reason is that you will not run the risk of having your claim barred by the statute of limitations. Also, your recollection of the events is crucial and as time goes by your memory may fade. Please call Rhode Island (RI)litigation and personal injury attorney, David Slepkow at 401-437-1100.
2) How do I commence a civil lawsuit in Rhode island?
A civil lawsuit in Rhode Island is commenced when a plaintiff serves a Complaint and a Summons upon the defendant. The complaint is the legal document that sets forth the alleged misconduct by the defendant. The summons is the legal document that directs the defendant to appear before
the court.
3) What should I do if I am served with a Summons and Complaint in Rhode Island?
You should seek the advice of a Rhode Island attorney immediately. As the summons instructs, you only have twenty (20) days in which to respond to the Complaint. If the 20 days period passes, the defendant will be in default and lose the case. The response to the Complaint is called an Answer. This legal document sets forth the defendants defenses and counterclaims against
the plaintiff.
4) How much will it cost to hire an attorney?
Every lawyer is free to set his own billing method. There are many different types of billing methods: An attorney might choose a contingent fee, where you only pay the attorney if you win the case, or may offer a flat one time fee or may simply bill hourly. Usually the attorney will determine which method is best by the type of litigation in question. Slepkow, Slepkow & Associates never charges any fee in a personal injury case unless successful.
5) How long before the lawsuit will be finished?
It depends. After the pleadings (Complaint and Answer) have been served, there is a discovery process. This is the period when the parties obtain all of the facts of the case. The length of this process depends on the complexity of the case. The overwhelming majority of cases are settled before trial.
About the Author
Occupation: Rhode Island Attorney
David Slepkow is a Rhode Island Divorce lawyer concentrating in Personal Injury, Car / Automobile Accident & Family Law.
David also Practices in the following areas of law: Child Custody / Support and Visitation, Premises Liability, Slip and Fall, out of state family law matters, evictions, criminal law, dui / dwi / breathalyzer refusal and superior court litigation
If you have any questions or need legal help please call David Slepkow at 401-437-1100 or visit his website.
Slepkow Slepkow & Associates, Inc. is well known in Rhode Island for real estate law, residential and commercial closings, business law, personal injury, zoning, wills / trusts and estate planning and Elder Law. Slepkow Slepkow & Associates, Inc was established in 1932.
David Slepkow offers free initial consultations and accepts all major credit cards. David never charges any fee for personal injury cases unless sucessful.
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