Civil/Commercial Litigation: Plaintiff Representation
If you have been injured or otherwise damaged, we can accurately assess your chances of success in court. If it is determined that filing suit is the right course of action, we have the resources to quickly bring your matter to the attention of the court.
The first step in any action is the filing of a summons and complaint wherein we inform the court of your grievance. The filed complaint is served upon your adversary. If an answer is not filed within the applicable time frame, we will seek to enter a judgment by default in your favor.
If your adversary does file an answer to the complaint, we enter a phase called "discovery," wherein the parties have the right to request information and documentation substantiating all claims and defenses. Discovery may be in writing, or it may take the form of an oral deposition, where the party being deposed gives testimony a law office, rather than in court. Any evidence, whether documentary, or oral testimony, may be used at trial.
After discovery, if the matter does not settle, the court will schedule a trial date. At that time, all evidence and witnesses are brought before the court so that the judge or jury can make a decision. If you are successful, the court will enter judgment in your favor.
Whether receiving judgment by default or decision, your judgment must now be collected. If the judgment debtor will not willingly make payment in satisfaction of the judgment, we begin the collection phase of matter and seek to attach any assets that the defendant may own.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE BEING SUED?
Civil/Commercial Litigation: Defense Representation
If you are named as a defendant in a lawsuit, your first step is to find an attorney that you trust to represent your interests and provide a comprehensive defense.
Following our initial meeting and upon our being retained on your behalf, our first step will be to file an Answer to the plaintiff's complaint. The Answer provides to the court and to the plaintiff your defense to the lawsuit as well as any affirmative defenses. In highly disputed matters a Counterclaim may also be asserted at that time, and in actions involving multiple parties Cross-Claims may also be asserted on your behalf.
It is important to note that once you are served with the Complaint, an Answer must be filed within a very short period of time so it is important to contact an attorney as quickly as possible. If an Answer is not filed within the applicable time frame, the plaintiff will be entitled to a Judgment by default in many instances.
If you do file an answer, we then enter the discovery phase and proceed to Trial as set forth above. If you have been served with a Complaint and need advice, please contact our office at your earliest convenience.
Law Offices of Michael A. Borg
200 Broadhollow Road, Suite 207 Melville, New York 11747
Phone: 631-777-4848 Fax: 631-794-2415 Email: info@lawmab.com