Fort Worth Civil Trial Law

Civil Trial Law for Fort Worth Residents

Civil trials are trials between two private parties designed to resolve a dispute between the two. Typically civil trials involve disputes regarding contracts, property, or personal injury. Civil trials can be decided by a judge in what is called a bench trial, or by a jury in a jury trial. The object of a civil trial is to restore the prevailing party (i.e. the party deemed not at fault) to the position it would have been in had no wrong occurred. Typically this is done in the form of monetary compensation. For example, in the event of a car wreck the jury might award the victim monetary compensation for his or her medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Typically, however, civil cases are settled out of court. By retaining legal representation with experience in civil trials you can enhance your bargaining position for settlement negotiations. Fort Worth Civil trial lawyer John David Hart is board certified in civil trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Contact him today for a free case evaluation.

Civil Trial Law Cases in Fort Worth

Civil trial cases typically arise from tort, contract, or property claims. Tort cases are better known as personal injury cases such as negligence or wrongful death. Contract cases typically arise from a breach of contract. Property disputes also fall into the civil trial category.

Civil Trial Law v. Criminal Trial Law

Civil trial law and criminal trial law present two different sets of rules used to assign guilt or fault. The difference between these two sets of rules represents the difference in consequences between a criminal and a civil trial. In a criminal trial, the jury or the court decides the guilt or innocence of the defendant. The stigma of criminal guilt has a serious effect on the defendant; thus, the rules in a criminal trial are structured in a manner that tightly restricts what evidence may be used and puts the burden of proof at a higher level than that of a civil trial. Civil trials assign fault for a specific act. Since the consequences of a civil trial are typically measured in dollars, civil trial rules allow more evidence and require a lower burden of proof.

While it is not always the case, it is possible that one act can result in both criminal and civil cases. The O.J. Simpson murder trial is a famous example. In other instances, an act will create only civil liability and no criminal liability. For example, a breach of contract typically will give rise to a civil cause of action only.

Finding the Right Civil Trial Lawyer in Fort Worth

If you’ve been the victim of a civil wrong, whether it be personal injury, wrongful death or a breach of a contract, you’ll want to find a Fort Worth civil trial lawyer with the experience to fight for your rights. Fort Worth civil trial lawyer John David Hart is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in civil trial law and by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a civil trial advocate. Contact Fort Worth lawyer John David Hart today for a free case evaluation.

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