Fighting for What's Right
Civil Litigation
When you've been wronged by an employer, a company, or the government, you need a lawyer who's not afraid to fight. Matt takes on powerful opponents and wins.
When Someone Wrongs You
Maybe your employer fired you for blowing the whistle on illegal activity. Maybe the police violated your civil rights. Maybe a company's defective product injured you. Maybe someone simply refused to honor their contract.
The legal system is supposed to make things right. But big companies and government agencies have teams of lawyers. They count on regular people giving up because it's too hard or too expensive to fight.
Matt doesn't back down from powerful opponents. He's gone up against major corporations like Southwest Airlines and government entities like police departments. And he's won.
Types of Civil Cases
Matt handles a wide range of civil disputes. If someone has wronged you, he can help.
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage disputes. When your employer treats you unfairly, Matt fights back.
Civil Rights
Police misconduct, government overreach, constitutional violations. Your rights matter. Matt holds government accountable.
Personal Injury
Car accidents, slip and falls, product defects. When someone else's negligence hurts you, Matt gets you compensation.
Contract Disputes
Business agreements, contractor issues, breach of contract. When someone breaks their word, Matt enforces your rights.
Property Disputes
Boundary issues, easements, landlord-tenant conflicts. Property rights can be complicated. Matt makes them clear.
Insurance Bad Faith
When your insurance company won't pay a valid claim, that's bad faith. Matt knows how to make them pay.
Civil Litigation Results
Matt has taken on major corporations and government agencies - and won.
Federal jury verdict for wrongfully terminated McCall Police Chief.
Settlement against Southwest Airlines for employment violations.
Settlement against Middleton Police Department for civil rights violations.
How Civil Litigation Works
Evaluate Your Case
Matt reviews the facts and law to determine if you have a valid claim and what it might be worth.
Demand and Negotiate
Before filing a lawsuit, Matt often sends a demand letter. Sometimes this leads to a quick settlement.
File the Lawsuit
If negotiation fails, Matt files a complaint in court. The formal legal process begins.
Discovery
Both sides exchange documents and gather evidence. Matt uncovers the facts that will win your case.
Settlement or Trial
Most cases settle. If not, Matt is ready to present your case to a judge or jury.
Why Matt for Civil Litigation
Trial Experience
50+ trials. Opponents take you seriously when they know you'll go to trial.
Not Afraid of Big Opponents
Matt has sued major corporations and government agencies. He's not intimidated.
Contingency Options
For many civil cases, you don't pay unless you win.
Personal Attention
Matt works directly with you. Your case gets the attention it deserves.
Civil Litigation Questions
In a criminal case, the government prosecutes someone for breaking the law. The punishment can be jail or fines. In a civil case, one person (or company) sues another for money damages or to make them do (or stop doing) something. Matt handles both - he's a former prosecutor who now does criminal defense AND civil litigation.
It depends on the case. Some cases (like personal injury or employment) can be handled on contingency - Matt only gets paid if you win. Other cases require hourly billing or a flat fee. Matt will explain the options during your free consultation and help you understand the costs vs. potential recovery.
Simple cases might settle in a few months. Complex cases can take 1-2 years or more if they go to trial. Most cases settle before trial, but having a lawyer who's ready to try the case gives you leverage in negotiations. Matt won't drag things out unnecessarily, but he won't rush into a bad settlement either.
Depending on your case, you might recover: compensatory damages (money for your actual losses - medical bills, lost wages, property damage), pain and suffering (compensation for physical and emotional distress), and sometimes punitive damages (extra money to punish especially bad behavior). Attorney fees may also be recoverable in some cases.
It depends. Settlement is faster, cheaper, and guaranteed. Trial is risky - you might win big or get nothing. Matt's approach: prepare every case as if it's going to trial, but be open to fair settlement. When the other side knows you're willing to fight, they offer more to settle.
Been Wronged? Fight Back.
Tell Matt about your situation. Find out if you have a case and what it might be worth.