COMMON MISTAKES WHEN HANDLING A LAWSUIT ON YOUR OWN

Handling a lawsuit on your own may seem like a cost-saving option compared to hiring a lawyer. However, lack of legal knowledge and practical experience can expose you to significant risks, potentially complicating the case and reducing the likelihood of achieving the desired outcome. Below are common mistakes you should be aware of and avoid when managing a lawsuit independently.

1. LACK OF LEGAL KNOWLEDGE

One of the most common mistakes when handling a lawsuit independently is the lack of understanding of relevant legal provisions. The law is a complex system, requiring participants to be well-versed in specific regulations in order to make proper arguments and comply with procedural requirements. Without sufficient knowledge, you may:

• Make incorrect or incomplete legal arguments, resulting in failure to protect your rights.

• Fail to properly cite legal grounds, weakening your position in the case.

• Overlook necessary procedures, reducing the chances of winning the lawsuit.

Moreover, in complex cases such as contract disputes or high-value property disputes, failing to accurately assess the nature and scope of the case may lead to mistakes during case handling.

2. DIFFICULTIES IN COLLECTING EVIDENCE AND DOCUMENTS

Collecting evidence is a crucial part of handling a lawsuit. However, without experience and proper skills, you may encounter significant difficulties in:

• Improper preservation of evidence: Not knowing how to properly preserve evidence may lead to loss, damage, or render the evidence legally inadmissible.

• Omitting important evidence: Due to lack of collection skills, you may overlook critical evidence, weakening your ability to support your arguments in court.

Collecting evidence requires not only accuracy but also strict compliance with legal procedures to ensure its legality and admissibility in court.

3. DIFFICULTIES IN LITIGATING IN COURT

Litigating in court is an important skill that not everyone possesses. Representing yourself in a trial may expose you to numerous challenges, including:

• Lack of presentation and rebuttal skills: Arguing before the court requires participants to present sharp legal reasoning, rebut opposing arguments, and pose timely questions. Without these skills, it will be difficult to persuade the adjudicating panel.

• Unfamiliarity with court rules: Courts have specific procedures and formalities. Failure to fully understand them may leave you unprepared and prone to errors, potentially harming your case.

Additionally, the opposing party may hire an experienced attorney, creating an imbalance in litigation and making it easier for you to be disadvantaged during the trial.

4. RISKS REGARDING TIME AND COSTS

Although handling a lawsuit on your own may initially save attorney fees, the process can entail significant time and financial risks:

• Time for research: You will spend considerable time studying the law, collecting evidence, drafting petitions, and attending court sessions.

• Incidental costs: During the course of litigation, you may incur various unforeseen expenses, such as travel costs, notarization fees, filing fees, and other related expenditures.

Failing to anticipate these costs may result in the total expense of handling the case yourself exceeding the cost of hiring an attorney from the outset.

► Recommendation: It is advisable to seek the assistance of a lawyer for legal advice and guidance on case resolution. If you require accompaniment throughout the litigation process, a lawyer can help you understand the nature and complexity of the case, develop an appropriate strategy, collect necessary evidence, and protect your legal rights and interests.