A litigant is a person who is involved in a civil legal case, either because they are making a formal complaint about someone, or because a complaint is being made about them. In a civil lawsuit, the plaintiff is pitted against the defendant. Though not necessary for every case, it’s beneficial to have legal counsel when taking on an opponent with experienced attorneys. This can help maximize your chances of success in court and ensure that any severe or complex injuries won’t go unrecognized by the Texas courts.
Defendant vs. Plaintiff
Litigation is a complex process which involves two sides: the plaintiff and defendant. The former initiates proceedings by filing complaint(s) in court, while the latter must respond to being sued with a summons. Depending on whether it’s civil or criminal case can determine how these parties are referred; plaintiffs become complainants when needed but defendants remain as such regardless of what type of lawsuit they’re involved in. Furthermore, one only needs look at the name of any given suit – typically listed in order first (plaintiff) then second (defendant).
Whether it’s an individual suing their doctor or landlord, both parties would be considered litigants in this legal battle. Even a company can become a party to the proceedings. A litigant is any party to a lawsuit excluding the witness and attorney.
Litigants in Person:
A litigant in person is someone who doesn’t have a lawyer. This is because they can’t afford one or they choose not to have one. In recent years, there have been more and more cases where the person doesn’t have a lawyer representing them. This is because of things like cuts to legal aid (money given by the government to help people pay for lawyers) and an increase in the amount of money that can be claimed in small claims court.
If you’ve been involved in an accident that resulted in injury or property damage, it is highly recommended that you seek out legal representation. Many car accident lawyers throughout Texas provide free consultations and work on contingency fees so cost should not be an issue when it comes to finding legal assistance. Having experienced legal counsel by your side can greatly increase your chances of success with your claim as well as make sure that all the proper steps are taken throughout the process.
Litigant Synonyms:
claimant, party, plaintiff, contestant, defendant
