Filing a Lawsuit in Scituate, Massachusetts

Find the right Litigation attorney in Scituate, MA

  • /10
  • Client Overall
    Satisfaction Rate*
*TrustPilot score as of 010118

Litigation Lawyers in Scituate

If you live in Scituate, Massachusetts and think that you might be the victim of a legal wrong, you may decide that it's worth suing over, to recover compensation from the person who wronged you.

If you think that filing a lawsuit is a good option in seeking redress, you should not rush into this decision. A lawsuit is a time-consuming and expensive process. You should not make a final decision without speaking to a Scituate, Massachusetts attorney.

Your Scituate, Massachusetts civil litigation attorney will be able to advise you on whether or not you have a legitimate case, and, if so, your best options on how to proceed. The attorney will also discuss with you the fees for their services, and whether he or she can represent you on a contingency basis.

Steps for Filing a Lawsuit in Scituate, Massachusetts

Consultation with your attorney: Before you continue in any legal action in Scituate, Massachusetts, you should speak with a good local attorney in Scituate, Massachusetts. Your legal counsel can make sure you have the best possible chance of winning your case, and help you decide if you should file your lawsuit in the first place.

Drafting the complaint: In Scituate, Massachusetts, once you have decided to file a lawsuit, the first thing you usually have to do is draft a complaint. The complaint is a document that contains all of the allegations you're making against the defendant (the person whom you are suing). It usually must allege all of the facts necessary to constitute a cause of action, though in some systems, very few facts are strictly required to be alleged. It also typically has, at the end, a "prayer" (request) for relief. This final section tells the court what type of relief the plaintiff wants, should the court rule in the plaintiff's favor.

Serving The Defendant: Once you, or your lawyer, have drafted a complaint, the defendant must be served with it, so they have notice that they're being sued, and are given time to prepare a defense. Scituate, Massachusetts has specific rules governing how a complaint must be served, for the service to be valid. Personal service (having someone give the documents directly to the defendant) is preferred. However, some courts will also accept service by mail in limited circumstances, or service upon an adult member of the defendant's household.

Await the Response: The defendant in Scituate, Massachusetts has an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them. They have several options in how they respond to a lawsuit. They can move to dismiss the case (arguing that, even if everything the complaint alleges is true, they would still not be liable for anything), or they can file with the court, and serve upon the plaintiff an answer. An answer is a point-by-point disposal of every allegation against the defendant. The defendant can admit the allegations, deny them, or claim that they do not have enough information to admit or deny them (which basically operates as a denial). Usually, the defendant will admit the inconsequential allegations, so they don't have to be litigated (if the lawsuit is about a car accident involving the plaintiff and defendant, they'll probably go ahead and admit that the accident took place), but deny any allegation that could establish liability, if true (they'll deny responsibility for the car accident, for example). If the defendant does not respond by the deadline, they will have a default judgment entered against them, and automatically lose the case.

How Can A Scituate, Massachusetts Tort Lawyer Help?

The basic outline above does not come close to covering all the details involved in filing a lawsuit in Scituate, Massachusetts.

If you have suffered a legal wrong in and decide to sue the person who you believed wronged you, you should consult with a qualified Scituate, Massachusetts attorney.

Talk to a Law Attorney now!

Life in Scituate

Scituate, Massachusetts is a city in Plymouth County, on Cape Cod. It has a population of about 18,000 people.

Scituate was originally settled by a group of people from Plymouth in 1627. Since its founding, Scituate's economy and culture revolved around fishing. The rich waters off of New England provided a seemingly-limitless food source. While commercial fishing still takes place, depleted stocks, and the resulting limits, have reduced its economic importance.

Like much of the Cape Cod area, Scituate has become a destination for wealthy visitors, many of whom maintain homes in the area. Visitors from the world over are drawn to its natural beauty, and unique New England Charm.

Scituate is a fairly affluent community, with the median household income of permanent residents being about ,000, and only about 2% (much lower than the national average) of the population living below the poverty line.

If you live in Scituate, Massachusetts, and are looking for an attorney, you're in luck. There are many Scituate, Massachusetts lawyers who can handle whatever legal issue a person is likely to face. If you have any legal problems, a Scituate, Massachusetts attorney is the person to call.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Howard B.
Howard B.

Business - Litigation

Rye Brook, NY

Mark B.
Mark B.

Business - Litigation

Roseland, NJ

David A.
David A.

Business - Litigation

Walnut Creek, CA