What is civil litigation?

Civil litigation is the process of dispute resolution between members of a community through the court system. Civil litigation allows individuals the right to sue for compensation or for specific action in matters such as breach of contract, defamation and negligence to be back in the position as if the wrong had not occurred.

When can I sue someone?

If someone has wronged you then, you may be able to commence a lawsuit against that person(s).

The kinds of disputes that are dealt with under civil law include disputes between:-

o Neighbors
o Customers and suppliers
o Business partners
o Landlords and tenants
o Buyers and sellers of property
o Home owners and builders
o Employees and employers
o Executors or beneficiaries in deceased estates
o Owners of copyrights and patents
o Creditors and debtors
o Accident victims

Different kinds of legal cases have different time limitations imposed so it’s important that you seek legal advice quickly to find out if you can commence legal proceedings.

How to file a lawsuit - the civil litigation process

Prior to court proceedings being commenced, the first course of action is always to seek a resolution to the dispute, saving both time and money. There are a number of alternative dispute resolution methods, which can be used including round table negotiation, conflict mediation, conciliation, and arbitration. Dispute resolution lawyers can assist with this process.
If all attempts to settle the dispute fail then the dispute will be taken to trial.
Trial proceedings are lengthy and somewhat complex, but involve the stages of commencing proceedings, pleadings (where the dispute is described by the plaintiff and defended by the defendant), discovery (disclosure of documents by both sides), trial (where the judge will hear the testimony of witnesses and make a ruling in the dispute), settlement and appeal.
The particular court forms, which need to be completed to commence a lawsuit, vary according to the type of dispute, so its best to seek legal advice in regard to this.

When can I sue someone?

o Small Court matters under $25,000.00
o Personal injury claims
o Torts
o Accident benefit claims
o Superior Court claims
o Debt recovery
o Building and property disputes
o Breach of contract
o Tribunal matters (Workplace and Safety)
o Ontario Human Rights
o Landlord and Tenant Board
o Commercial litigation
o Repair and Storage Liens
o Mediation and Arbitration

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