How to understand your case

If you’re involved in a lawsuit, it might be difficult to understand what’s going on in your case. You might wonder what is the statue of limitations for my case? How long will it take to get a settlement? Is my lawyer doing everything correctly?

The judicial system is complicated and there’s often a lot of jargon floating around that might feel overwhelming or confusing. But don’t worry. The way you’re feeling is completely normal – after all, you probably weren’t expecting to be involved in a lawsuit. So, how can you get a better understanding of your case?

Speak to your lawyer

You probably did a lot of research before finding a lawyer, and asked all the right questions to make sure you picked the right one. Don’t stop now. If you’re feeling confused about the case or want some clarity on certain areas, speak to your lawyer. Ask questions and make sure that everything makes sense. Your lawyer should communicate effectively and will make sure that you are kept in the loop. A bad lawyer will leave you feeling confused, worried and disengaged – which is the opposite of how you want to be feeling. If you’re not happy with the way your lawyer is communicating with you, speak to them about it.

Take notes

Whilst you probably don’t want to feel like you’re back at school, writing things down always helps to make things seem a little clearer. When speaking to your lawyer, you might wish to bring a notepad and pen with you and take notes of the information they’ve given. This means that you can go back to anything later and make sure everything has been covered. Even if you don’t re-read your notes, writing things down encourages active listening and makes sure that you’re properly engaged in the conversation.

Do your research

With the internet at our disposal, everyone can learn something new about the judicial system. If you’re feeling confused about the jargon or don’t understand certain procedures, look them up for clarity. Whilst the internet won’t be specific about your case, you might be able to link what’s happening in your case to someone else’s. Just take the internet with caution and be careful of what you’re posting online. Social media can have a significant impact on the outcome of cases in the current climate.

Get enough sleep

Lawsuits can be stressful, arduous and exhausting – no matter the topic or type. Whether you’re in court for a day or several weeks, you might find it difficult to concentrate and take in a lot of information. For this, sleep is key. If you arrive at court feeling refreshed and rested, you’ll feel more able to keep up and actively listen to your surroundings. If you’re feeling haggard and stressed, you might find the information overwhelming. Alongside sleep, it’s important to make sure you take the time to relax each day – whether that’s by taking a bubble bath, going for a walk or watching a movie.