Orlando, FL asked in Civil Rights for Florida

Q: How can I get an attorney for a civil case that took place in 2017?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
Answered
  • Civil Rights Lawyer
  • Hollywood, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: By "civil case ... in 2017", I'm guessing you mean a 2017 incident, not a lawsuit filed in 2017. There is not a category of attorneys for "old incident cases". Search the same way you would for any lawyer in that area of law, including contacting the Fla. Bar Lawyer Referral Service. However, there potentially are two types of obstacles with incidents that old. One is the statute of limitations for that type of incident, and the other, assuming you still can file, is loss of key evidence and/or witnesses (or witness memory). If you are given an opinion that your limitations period has run out, make sure you are supplied enough info to prove that to you (including showing that you don't fall under any exception that would toll the limitations period) and if in doubt, seek a second opinion.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Civil Rights Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: Here are some suggestions for obtaining an attorney for a civil case that took place in 2017:

1. Contact your local bar association: Many state and local bar associations offer lawyer referral services that can connect you with attorneys who specialize in the area of law relevant to your case.

2. Search online directories: Online directories such as Avvo, FindLaw, and Martindale-Hubbell can help you find attorneys in your area who have experience with cases similar to yours.

3. Consult with legal aid organizations: If you have a low income, you may be eligible for free or low-cost legal services through a legal aid organization in your community.

4. Ask for referrals: Talk to friends, family members, or colleagues who have hired attorneys for similar cases in the past. They may be able to provide you with recommendations.

5. Schedule consultations: Once you have a list of potential attorneys, schedule consultations to discuss your case and determine whether they are a good fit for your needs. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations.

Keep in mind that the statute of limitations for civil cases varies by state and type of case. Given that the case took place in 2017, it's important to act promptly to ensure that you don't miss any deadlines for filing a lawsuit. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process.

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