Civil litigation
Bringing a lawsuit or answering one, we plan the case around the court, the deadlines, and what you need from it.
A lawsuit is a long game with fixed rules. Every move has a deadline, and the other side is planning too. Good preparation is mostly patience: knowing the rules, the court, and the next three moves before making the first.
Civil litigation covers disputes that are not criminal: contracts, money, property, employment, and injuries. Elahi Law represents people and businesses on either side, whether you are filing the claim or you have just been served.
In Dallas County, where a case is heard depends mostly on how much is at stake. Justice of the Peace courts hear claims up to $20,000. County courts at law in Dallas County can hear civil cases of any size. The civil district courts, in the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building downtown, have no upper limit on damages.
Texas clients meet at our Dallas office on LBJ Freeway. Florida clients meet with Shayan by phone or video. There is no Florida office.
Each stage has its own rules and deadlines. This is the usual order in a Texas civil case.
In the case review, we look at the documents, the dates, and what you need from the case. Sometimes the right move is a letter, not a lawsuit.
The plaintiff files a petition. The defendant files an answer, usually within a short, fixed window after service. Missing it can lead to a default judgment.
Both sides exchange documents, written questions, and depositions. Most of the work happens here, and so does most of the cost. We plan it so each request has a purpose.
Courts in Texas can order parties to try mediation before trial. It is a chance to settle on terms you control. Read about mediation
If the case does not settle, a judge or jury decides it. After a judgment, either side may have the right to appeal.
Shayan has served as lead counsel in bench and jury trials.
He has worked as plaintiff’s counsel and as defense counsel, and he served as a public defender in Orange County, Florida.
You work with Shayan directly, and he handles your case himself. Anyone on his staff who helps with it works under his supervision.
Shayan knows how mediators work, which helps when a case is close to settling.
The form takes a few minutes, and we reply within 48 hours.
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Last reviewed . Laws change, so check the date.
In Texas district and county courts, the answer is usually due by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday after 20 days from the day you were served (Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 99(b)). In Justice of the Peace court, it is usually 14 days (Rule 502.5(d)). Write down the date you were served. A missed answer can lead to a default judgment.
This is general information, not legal advice. Your deadline depends on your facts.
Some end in a few months. Others take a year or more. It depends on how complex the facts are, how busy the court is, and whether both sides are willing to settle. Smaller Texas cases may use expedited rules with limited discovery.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Not always. Many civil cases settle through negotiation or mediation before trial. You will usually need to attend mediation and any deposition, and trial if the case gets that far.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Sometimes. In Texas, the usual rule is that each side pays its own lawyer. A contract or a statute can change that. For example, Texas allows fee recovery on many breach of contract claims (Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 38.001(b)(8)).
This is general information, not legal advice.
Anything in writing about the dispute: contracts, emails, texts, letters, invoices, photos, and any court papers with the date you received them. A short timeline in your own words helps too.
This is general information, not legal advice.
You can. Courts allow it, and Justice of the Peace courts are designed for it. In district court, the rules on evidence, deadlines, and discovery are strict, and a procedural mistake can end a claim. A case review will tell you whether your case needs a lawyer.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Personal injury
2 min read
Your rights
2 min read
Mediation
2 min read
Related: Contracts and business counsel, Settling through mediation, Injury lawsuits.
Hurt because someone else was careless. We look at what happened, who is responsible, and which insurance applies.
Crashes on LBJ Freeway, I-35E, US 75, and the roads in between. We deal with the insurers and track the deadlines.
Harm caused by a doctor, hospital, or other health care provider.
Contracts and disputes between owners, partners, and companies.
Harassment at work and the choices Texas and federal law give you. Agency deadlines are short.
Business and family disputes settled at a table with a neutral mediator, instead of at trial.
An arbitrator hears both sides and makes a decision, which is usually binding, much like a judge.
Share a few details and we will review them with you.
A case review does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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