Settlement Alerts:

$9,250,000 Defamation Case Win Against The New York Times 8/26
$6,800,000 Wrongful Death 8/26
$81,000,000 Children Born Addicted (as part of the trial team)
$18,000,000 Product Liability 12/19
$13,000,000 Medical Malpractice – Sexual Assault 8/23
$225,000 Civil Litigation 7/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/26
$30,000 Medical Malpractice 7/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/26
$42,690 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/26
$2,759,223 Opioid Litigation 6/26
$70,000 Medical Malpractice 6/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 6/26
$100,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/26
$420,000 Jail Litigation 5/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/26
$650,000 Jail Litigation 5/26
$46,937 Opioid Litigation 5/26
$150,000 Wrongful Death – Jail Litigation 5/26
$285,000 Medical Malpractice 4/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$50,000 Personal Injury 3/26
$40,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/26
$32,500 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/26
$42,500 Motor Vehicle Accident 1/26
$30,000 Personal Injury 1/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 12/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 12/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 11/25
$77,500 Motor Vehicle Accident 11/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 11/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 9/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 9/25
$26,668 Personal Injury 9/25
$25,000 Personal Injury 9/25
$97,500 Personal Injury 9/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 9/25
$100,000 Wrongful Death – Jail Litigation 8/25
$100,000 Wrongful Death 7/25
$45,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/25
$200,000 Wrongful Death 6/25
$1,200,000 Wrongful Death – Jail Litigation 6/25
$200,000 Slip & Fall 6/25
$26,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/25
$800,000 Jail Litigation 5/25
$925,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 4/25
$125,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 4/25
$700,000 Jail Litigation 4/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 4/25
$125,000 Personal Injury 4/25
$20,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/25
$1,300,000 Jail Litigation 2/25
$210,000 Slip & Fall 2/25
$100,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/25
$975,000 Medical Malpractice 1/25
$4,000,000 Jail Litigation 1/25

$9,250,000 Defamation & False Light 8/26
$6,800,000 Wrongful Death 8/26
$81,000,000 Children Born Addicted (as part of the trial team)
$18,000,000 Product Liability 12/19
$13,000,000 Medical Malpractice – Sexual Assault 8/23
$225,000 Civil Litigation 7/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/26
$30,000 Medical Malpractice 7/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/26
$42,690 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/26
$2,759,223 Opioid Litigation 6/26
$70,000 Medical Malpractice 6/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 6/26
$100,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/26
$420,000 Jail Litigation 5/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/26
$650,000 Jail Litigation 5/26
$46,937 Opioid Litigation 5/26
$150,000 Wrongful Death – Jail Litigation 5/26
$285,000 Medical Malpractice 4/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 3/26
$50,000 Personal Injury 3/26
$40,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/26
$32,500 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/26
$42,500 Motor Vehicle Accident 1/26
$30,000 Personal Injury 1/26
$50,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 12/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 12/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 11/25
$77,500 Motor Vehicle Accident 11/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 11/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 9/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 9/25
$26,668 Personal Injury 9/25
$25,000 Personal Injury 9/25
$97,500 Personal Injury 9/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 9/25
$100,000 Wrongful Death – Jail Litigation 8/25
$100,000 Wrongful Death 7/25
$45,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 7/25
$200,000 Wrongful Death 6/25
$1,200,000 Wrongful Death – Jail Litigation 6/25
$200,000 Slip & Fall 6/25
$26,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/25
$800,000 Jail Litigation 5/25
$925,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 5/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 4/25
$125,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 4/25
$700,000 Jail Litigation 4/25
$25,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 4/25
$125,000 Personal Injury 4/25
$20,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/25
$1,300,000 Jail Litigation 2/25
$210,000 Slip & Fall 2/25
$100,000 Motor Vehicle Accident 2/25
$975,000 Medical Malpractice 1/25
$4,000,000 Jail Litigation 1/25

CALL US NOW

5-Star Google Rating•BBB Rating: A+•West Virginia State Bar•The United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia•The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals•The United States Supreme Court•American Association for Justice•Opioid Justice Team•Trial Lawyers Care•West Virginia Association for Justice•5-Star Google Rating•BBB Rating: A+•West Virginia State Bar•The United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia•The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals•The United States Supreme Court•American Association for Justice•Opioid Justice Team•Trial Lawyers Care•West Virginia Association for Justice

Litigation Lawyer in Ansted

Aggressive Litigation Representation

Your Guide to Litigation Law in Ansted

Litigation is the process of resolving disputes through the court system when negotiation and settlement efforts have failed. Whether you’re facing a complex civil dispute, contract disagreement, or other legal conflict, having qualified representation matters significantly. At Stephen New & Associates, we understand the demands of litigation in West Virginia and provide comprehensive representation throughout every stage of the process. Our team prepares cases thoroughly, from initial filing through trial and potential appeal, ensuring your rights are protected and your interests are vigorously advocated for in court.

The litigation process can be lengthy and technically demanding, requiring knowledge of procedural rules, evidence standards, and courtroom strategy. Many individuals and businesses in Ansted and throughout Fayette County face disputes that demand immediate professional attention. Our firm brings years of litigation experience to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system. We work diligently to resolve your case efficiently while preparing thoroughly for trial when settlement isn’t possible, ensuring you receive competent representation at every turn.

Why Litigation Representation Matters

Litigation provides a formal mechanism for resolving disputes when informal negotiations fail, offering you a path to vindicate your rights through the court system. Having proper legal representation protects you from procedural mistakes that could jeopardize your case and ensures your arguments are presented persuasively to judges and juries. A skilled litigator handles discovery procedures, manages deadlines, and develops winning strategies based on the specific facts and law applicable to your situation. Beyond courtroom advocacy, litigation attorneys help you understand risks, evaluate settlement offers objectively, and make informed decisions about whether to proceed to trial or accept reasonable resolutions.

Stephen New & Associates: Your Litigation Advocates

Stephen New & Associates has served Ansted and Fayette County residents and businesses through multiple complex litigation matters, developing deep knowledge of local court procedures and judicial preferences. Our attorneys combine courtroom experience with practical problem-solving skills to develop effective strategies tailored to your unique circumstances. We maintain current knowledge of West Virginia litigation rules, evidence standards, and procedural requirements that govern civil disputes. Our commitment to thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy has helped numerous clients achieve favorable outcomes in disputes ranging from contract disagreements to personal injury claims and business conflicts.

Understanding the Litigation Process in West Virginia

The litigation process in West Virginia generally begins with filing a complaint in the appropriate court and serving the defendant with notice of the lawsuit. The defendant then has a specified period to respond, either by filing an answer or raising preliminary objections. Once the case is underway, the discovery phase allows both parties to exchange relevant information, documents, and witness statements through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions. This phase is critical for building your case and understanding the opposing party’s position. Understanding these foundational steps helps you appreciate why early legal consultation matters and why thorough case preparation can significantly influence outcomes.

After discovery, cases may move toward summary judgment motions where one party argues no material facts remain in dispute and they should win as a matter of law. If your case survives this stage or the opposing party declines to file such a motion, the case proceeds toward trial preparation and pre-trial conferences with the judge. During these conferences, settlement discussions often occur, and the judge may encourage or facilitate resolution. If settlement cannot be reached, your case proceeds to trial where evidence is presented to a judge or jury who will decide the outcome. Understanding this progression helps you appreciate the importance of preparation at every stage and the value of having experienced representation throughout the process.

Need More Information?

Litigation Terminology and Key Concepts

Discovery

Discovery is the formal process by which both parties in litigation exchange relevant documents, information, and witness statements before trial. This phase includes interrogatories (written questions), requests for document production, and depositions (sworn testimony taken outside court). Discovery helps each side understand the other’s evidence and develop informed litigation strategies.

Summary Judgment

Summary judgment is a pre-trial motion requesting that the court dismiss a case because no genuine dispute of material fact exists and one party should prevail as a matter of law. If granted, it eliminates the need for trial. This motion is often filed after discovery when the factual record is developed.

Complaint

A complaint is the initial legal document filed to begin a lawsuit, outlining the plaintiff’s claims against the defendant and the relief sought. It must contain sufficient factual allegations to give the defendant notice of the claims and establish the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

Deposition

A deposition is a proceeding where a witness or party provides sworn testimony that is recorded by a court reporter, usually occurring outside the courtroom during discovery. Depositions preserve testimony and allow attorneys to evaluate witness credibility and gather information before trial.

PRO TIPS

Preserve Evidence Early

As soon as you know a dispute may lead to litigation, begin preserving all relevant documents, emails, photographs, and records that support your position. Send a preservation notice to the opposing party informing them that you’re retaining materials related to the dispute, which legally obligates them to do the same. Failure to preserve evidence can result in sanctions or adverse inferences against you, so early preservation protects your case and demonstrates good faith.

Communicate Through Your Attorney

Once litigation begins, avoid direct communication with the opposing party and instead channel all communications through your attorney to prevent statements from being used against you. Anything you say can potentially be used in court, so having your attorney manage correspondence protects your interests. This approach also establishes professional boundaries and prevents emotional responses that could harm your case.

Understand Settlement Negotiations

Most litigation cases settle before trial, often saving significant time and expense for both parties. Your attorney should provide objective analysis of your case’s strengths and weaknesses to help you evaluate settlement offers realistically. Knowing when to accept a reasonable settlement versus proceeding to trial requires careful consideration of risk, cost, and likelihood of success at trial.

Comprehensive Litigation Versus Limited Legal Approaches

When Full Litigation Support Becomes Necessary:

Complex Multi-Party Disputes Requiring Coordinated Strategy

When disputes involve multiple parties, cross-claims, or counterclaims, comprehensive litigation support becomes essential to coordinate defenses and develop unified strategies. These complex scenarios demand attorneys who can manage procedural issues, coordinate discovery responses, and present cohesive arguments across multiple legal theories. Attempting to handle complex multi-party litigation without full legal support often results in procedural errors that undermine your position.

High-Stakes Cases with Significant Financial or Personal Consequences

Cases involving substantial monetary claims, business operations, or personal liberty demand comprehensive representation because the consequences of adverse outcomes are severe. These matters require thorough investigation, detailed discovery planning, and trial preparation to maximize your chances of favorable resolution. The cost of comprehensive representation is invariably less than the potential loss from inadequate advocacy in high-stakes disputes.

Situations Where Focused Legal Assistance May Be Appropriate:

Straightforward Matters with Clear Liability and Defined Damages

Some disputes involve clear liability and relatively straightforward damage calculations, where limited legal consultation may help you navigate settlement negotiations or procedural requirements. In these cases, targeted advice on specific issues might suffice rather than full litigation representation. However, even seemingly simple matters can develop complications, so initial consultation with an attorney remains valuable.

Small Claims or Minor Disputes in Small Claims Court

West Virginia’s small claims court handles disputes under specific monetary limits with simplified procedures that some individuals can navigate with limited legal guidance. For minor disputes involving small amounts, the cost-benefit analysis may favor self-representation or minimal legal consultation. Even here, however, understanding applicable law and proper presentation significantly improves outcomes.

Typical Situations When Litigation Representation Becomes Necessary

Business Contract Disputes and Commercial Disagreements

When business partners, vendors, or clients breach contracts or dispute performance obligations, litigation becomes necessary to enforce your rights and recover damages. Having attorney representation ensures proper contract interpretation and development of strategies to maximize recovery.

Personal Injury Claims and Accident-Related Disputes

When injuries result from negligence, defective products, or unsafe conditions, litigation helps you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Experienced representation ensures proper damage calculation and effective presentation of liability to insurers and courts.

Employment Disputes and Wage Claims

When employers wrongfully terminate, fail to pay wages, or violate employment rights, litigation provides a mechanism to hold employers accountable and recover compensation. Knowledgeable representation ensures compliance with employment laws and protection of your workplace rights.

Litigation Attorneys Serving Ansted and Fayette County

Why Choose Stephen New & Associates for Your Litigation

Stephen New & Associates brings substantial courtroom experience and deep knowledge of West Virginia’s legal system to every litigation matter we handle. Our attorneys understand local court procedures, judicial tendencies, and strategic approaches that work effectively in Fayette County courts. We combine thorough case preparation with aggressive advocacy, ensuring your position is presented persuasively whether through negotiation or trial. Our commitment to client communication means you understand your case’s progress, strategic decisions, and available options throughout the litigation process.

We recognize that litigation is often stressful and disruptive to your business or personal life, which is why we work efficiently to move cases toward resolution while maintaining thorough preparation. Our fee arrangements provide transparency about costs, and we discuss settlement opportunities objectively rather than pushing unnecessary litigation. When trial becomes necessary, our preparation and courtroom experience provide you confidence that your case receives competent, dedicated representation. Choosing Stephen New & Associates means gaining advocates who understand your community, respect your concerns, and fight for your rights with integrity.

Contact Our Ansted Litigation Team Today

People Also Search For

Civil Litigation in West Virginia

Contract Dispute Attorney Ansted

Business Litigation Fayette County

Personal Injury Lawsuit West Virginia

Employment Dispute Litigation

Court Trial Representation Beckley

Discovery Process Attorney

Settlement Negotiation Lawyer

Related Services

FAQS

How long does a typical litigation case take in West Virginia?

The duration of litigation varies significantly depending on case complexity, number of parties, court docket, and whether settlement occurs. Simple cases with clear facts may resolve in months through settlement, while complex disputes can take one to three years or longer if trial is necessary. Discovery typically takes several months, and courts often schedule pre-trial conferences and motions practice that extend timelines. Our attorneys can provide more specific timelines after evaluating your particular circumstances and understanding the dispute’s complexity. Factors affecting timeline include the court’s caseload, whether summary judgment motions are filed, and the parties’ willingness to settle. Staying engaged and responsive to deadlines helps prevent unnecessary delays. While litigation is rarely quick, thorough preparation often enables earlier settlement as both parties develop clear understanding of case strength through the discovery process.

What is the discovery process and why does it matter in litigation?

Discovery is the formal process where both parties exchange relevant documents, information, and witness statements before trial. This includes interrogatories (written questions), requests for document production, and depositions (sworn testimony recorded by court reporters). Discovery allows each side to understand the evidence, develop informed litigation strategies, and often facilitates settlement by clarifying the case’s strengths and weaknesses. Without discovery, parties would proceed to trial with incomplete information, making fair resolution difficult. Proper discovery management is critical because responses are sworn statements used as evidence, incomplete disclosures can result in sanctions, and strategic responses may protect sensitive information while meeting legal obligations. An experienced litigation attorney ensures thorough and compliant discovery responses, identifies weaknesses in opposing party’s positions, and uses discovery to build your case through documents and witness testimony. The discovery phase often determines whether settlement becomes possible or trial becomes necessary.

Can most cases be settled before going to trial?

Yes, the vast majority of litigation cases settle before trial, though not all disputes resolve through settlement. When both parties understand each other’s evidence and risk through discovery and pre-trial conferences, they can often reach reasonable compromises that avoid trial’s uncertainty, cost, and time. Settlement negotiations occur throughout litigation and sometimes accelerate as trial approaches and parties become more realistic about likely outcomes. Our attorneys provide objective case evaluation to help you understand settlement offer reasonableness and when acceptance serves your interests better than continued litigation. However, some disputes cannot settle because parties have fundamentally incompatible positions or refuse reasonable compromise. In these situations, trial becomes necessary to resolve the dispute through judicial decision. The threat of trial often motivates settlement because both parties face uncertainty about outcomes and significant additional costs. Our approach evaluates settlement opportunities throughout the case while preparing thoroughly for trial, ensuring you’re positioned favorably regardless of which path your case takes.

What should I do to prepare for litigation?

Immediately upon recognizing a potential lawsuit, preserve all relevant documents, emails, photographs, records, and communications that relate to the dispute. Send a preservation notice to the opposing party and keep copies of everything in organized form for your attorney. Avoid discussing the dispute on social media or with others besides your attorney, as statements can be used against you in court. Gather financial records, contracts, and any evidence supporting your position. Write down a detailed timeline of events while memory is fresh, noting dates, names of witnesses, and what was said or done. When consulting with an attorney, bring organized copies of all relevant documents and be prepared to discuss the situation thoroughly and honestly, including any facts that might hurt your position. Your attorney must know all relevant information to develop effective strategy, and attorney-client communications are protected. Be realistic about your goals and financial constraints so your attorney can develop appropriate strategies. Stay accessible and responsive to requests for information from your attorney, and follow their advice regarding communication with opposing parties and case deadlines.

What are my options if I disagree with the court's decision after trial?

If you lose at trial, you may appeal to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals based on legal errors made during trial, procedural problems, or insufficient evidence to support the verdict. An appeal does not allow retrieval of new evidence or a new trial but instead reviews the trial record to determine whether proper law was applied and procedures were followed. Filing an appeal requires meeting strict deadlines and following complex procedural rules, making immediate consultation with an appellate attorney important if you’re considering this option. Not all trial decisions are appealable, and appeals are more limited in scope than the original trial. Appeals are lengthy and expensive processes, typically taking one to two years or more for resolution. Before deciding to appeal, carefully evaluate the likelihood of success and consider the cost versus potential benefit. Even successful appeals may result in new trials or remand to the trial court rather than reversal of judgment. Our firm evaluates appeal prospects candidly and explains realistic chances of success, helping you make informed decisions about whether appealing serves your long-term interests.

How much does litigation cost and what fee arrangements are available?

Litigation costs vary dramatically depending on case complexity, dispute size, number of parties, and how long cases take to resolve. Hourly billing is common for litigation work, with rates varying based on attorney experience and case type. Some attorneys work on contingency for personal injury cases where recovery comes from the opposing party or their insurance company. Retainer arrangements may apply where you pay an upfront amount against which hourly work is charged. Settlement sometimes occurs quickly and inexpensively, while contested trials can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We provide transparent fee arrangements and estimate likely costs based on the case’s anticipated scope and complexity. When evaluating litigation costs, remember that early legal consultation often reduces total expenses by preventing procedural errors, missed deadlines, and inadequate case development that force more expensive catch-up work later. Many claims or defenses are worth far more than the legal fees required to pursue or defend them effectively. We discuss cost-benefit analysis for your particular situation and explain how fee arrangements work so you understand what litigation will cost. Financing options may be available for significant disputes, and we discuss these when relevant to your circumstances.

What is the difference between litigation and alternative dispute resolution like mediation or arbitration?

Litigation is the formal court process where a judge or jury hears evidence and makes binding decisions about disputes according to applicable law. Mediation is an alternative where a neutral third party helps disputants reach their own negotiated settlement without a binding decision imposed by a judge. Arbitration is a private process where parties agree to have a neutral arbitrator hear evidence and make binding decisions, similar to court but with more flexible procedures and confidentiality. Each approach has advantages regarding cost, timeline, privacy, and control over outcomes. Litigation provides formal procedures, legal precedent, and appeal rights, while mediation and arbitration offer flexibility, confidentiality, and potentially faster resolution. Many disputes benefit from attempting mediation or other alternative dispute resolution before litigation becomes necessary, saving time and expense. West Virginia courts often require or encourage these alternatives through court-ordered mediation. However, some disputes require litigation because parties cannot agree on alternative processes or the disputes involve issues requiring formal court determination. Our attorneys advise when litigation is necessary versus when alternative dispute resolution might better serve your interests, and we participate effectively in mediations or arbitrations when those approaches are pursued.

Can I represent myself in litigation or should I always hire an attorney?

While West Virginia law permits self-representation in some matters, litigation is complex and procedural mistakes often have serious consequences that cannot be corrected later. Court rules governing pleadings, discovery, evidence, and trial procedure are technical and require understanding to avoid sanctions or loss of rights. Judges generally apply the same procedural standards to self-represented parties as represented parties, providing no special leniency for mistakes. Most self-represented individuals make critical errors that weaken their cases significantly, and recovery of damages lost through procedural mistakes is difficult or impossible. Even in small claims court where procedures are simplified, having attorney consultation substantially improves outcomes. Attorney representation provides professional understanding of law applicable to your situation, strategic development of cases, proper case preparation, and negotiation skills that protect your interests. The cost of proper representation is typically far less than the damages lost through inadequate case handling. We recommend at minimum consulting with an attorney about your situation before deciding to proceed without representation. For substantial disputes with important consequences, full representation provides confidence that your case receives competent advocacy and protection of your legal rights.

How do courts determine liability and damages in litigation cases?

Liability is determined by applying law to proven facts. In civil litigation, the plaintiff must prove their claims by a preponderance of evidence, meaning more likely than not that the defendant is responsible. Liability depends on the type of dispute—contract cases examine whether parties breached agreements, personal injury cases examine whether defendants were negligent or caused injury through wrongful conduct, and business disputes examine whether parties violated agreements or legal obligations. The defendant has opportunity to present evidence and arguments defending against claims. The judge or jury decides whether sufficient evidence proves the plaintiff’s claims and the defendant is liable. Damages represent compensation awarded to injured parties and vary depending on case type. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost income, and other quantifiable losses. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment. Punitive damages, intended to punish wrongdoing, are available in some cases. Our attorneys work to develop thorough evidence of damages, gather documentation supporting claimed losses, and present compelling arguments for fair compensation. We help you understand what damages may be available in your situation and work toward maximizing recovery within legal limits.

What happens if the opposing party cannot pay a judgment even if I win at trial?

If you obtain a judgment but the opposing party cannot or will not pay, you may pursue post-judgment collection procedures to enforce the judgment. These include wage garnishment (deducting from wages), bank account levies, liens on property, and other collection mechanisms that vary by circumstance. However, certain assets like primary residences, retirement accounts, and necessities have legal protection from creditors. Collection can be time-consuming and may be unsuccessful if the debtor lacks attachable assets or income. Before pursuing litigation, evaluating whether the opposing party likely has assets to satisfy a judgment helps inform your decision about proceeding. Our attorneys discuss collection realities when evaluating whether to pursue litigation against particular opponents. Insurance coverage is often more valuable than pursuing collection against individuals without significant assets. Additionally, obtaining a judgment establishes your legal right to payment even if immediate collection isn’t possible, as judgments typically remain enforceable for many years. We advise on likely collection prospects and help you make informed decisions about pursuing litigation based on realistic assessment of what recovery you can actually achieve.