What Is Civil Litigation in Rhode Island? A Plain English Guide
If you’ve ever had a legal dispute with another person, business, or organization — and it didn’t involve criminal charges — you’ve entered the world of civil litigation.
Civil litigation covers a wide range of legal matters in Rhode Island, from contract disputes and personal injury lawsuits to business disagreements and property issues. But for most people, the process can feel confusing, intimidating, and full of legal jargon.
In this guide, we break it all down in plain English — and explain how a Rhode Island civil litigation attorney can help protect your interests and resolve your dispute effectively.
What Is Civil Litigation?
Civil litigation is the legal process used to resolve disputes between two or more parties when one party believes they’ve been wronged or harmed — and wants compensation or relief through the court system.
Unlike criminal cases, where the government prosecutes a defendant for violating the law, civil cases are brought by private individuals, businesses, or entities.
Common civil lawsuits involve:
Breach of contract
Property disputes
Personal injury claims
Employment disputes
Business disagreements
Consumer fraud
Defamation
Landlord-tenant issues
The goal is usually to obtain monetary compensation or a court order that requires the other party to do (or stop doing) something.
Types of Civil Cases We Handle
At Almagno Law, our civil litigation practice covers a broad range of legal issues, including:
Contract Disputes
Whether you’re a business owner or an individual, a broken agreement can cost you time, money, and trust. We help clients enforce or defend against breach of contract claims.
Business and Commercial Litigation
Disputes between partners, vendors, or clients can disrupt your operations and damage your reputation. We provide strategic counsel for business clients of all sizes. Learn more on our Business Law page.
Property and Real Estate Conflicts
From boundary disputes to title issues, we represent homeowners, landlords, and buyers in a variety of property-related cases.
Civil Torts
If someone’s negligence or intentional act caused you harm — physically, financially, or reputationally — we pursue damages through personal injury, fraud, or defamation claims.
What Happens During a Civil Lawsuit?
While every case is different, the general civil litigation process in Rhode Island includes the following stages:
Initial Investigation & Consultation
We review your situation, evidence, and legal options.Filing a Complaint
The plaintiff (the party bringing the claim) files a formal complaint in court, and the defendant is served.Response & Pre-Trial Motions
The defendant files an answer. Motions may be filed to dismiss or narrow the claims.Discovery Phase
Both sides gather evidence, request documents, and take depositions. This is often the longest stage.Settlement Discussions
Many cases settle before trial through negotiations, mediation, or arbitration.Trial (if necessary)
If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial where a judge or jury issues a decision.Appeal (if applicable)
Either party may appeal the outcome if legal errors are believed to have occurred.
Throughout this process, having an experienced litigation attorney ensures your rights are protected and your case is managed strategically.
Do All Civil Disputes Go to Trial?
No — in fact, most civil cases are resolved without a trial. At Almagno Law, we focus on resolving disputes efficiently whenever possible through:
Negotiation
Mediation
Arbitration
But if the other party refuses to act fairly or reasonably, we’re fully prepared to litigate in court.
Why Hire a Civil Litigation Lawyer?
Civil disputes often involve complex procedures, deadlines, and legal standards that can be overwhelming without guidance. A skilled attorney can:
Evaluate the strength of your case
Navigate Rhode Island’s court system
Draft strong legal filings and responses
Handle discovery and evidence strategy
Represent you confidently in court or negotiations
We also help clients avoid unnecessary lawsuits by assessing risk and recommending practical legal solutions.
Explore some of our case results to see how we’ve helped Rhode Islanders succeed in complex civil matters.
How Long Do Civil Cases Take in Rhode Island?
It depends on the complexity of the case, the court’s schedule, and whether the dispute settles early. Some cases resolve in a few months; others may take a year or more.
We’ll always keep you informed of your case’s progress and timeline — and fight for the most efficient resolution possible.
Take the First Step Toward Resolution
If you’re facing a legal dispute, don’t wait until it escalates. The sooner you involve an experienced Rhode Island civil litigation attorney, the better your chances of resolving the issue quickly and favorably.
Still have questions? Visit our FAQs, or contact us to schedule a consultation today.
Want to learn more about your legal options? Explore our legal blog or read testimonials from clients we’ve helped across Rhode Island.
Legal Disclaimer
This blog and the information contained on this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship with Almagno Law or any of its attorneys. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
