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 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. Matt has successfully prosecuted claims against police departments and sheriff's offices for violations of rights.
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.
Civil Litigation Results
Matt has taken on major corporations and government agencies - and won.
Federal jury verdict plus attorney's fees for wrongfully terminated McCall Police Chief.
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
Often when disputes arise, your claim can be negotiated to a resolution both sides agree to. Matt sends a demand letter to start that process - getting you compensated much quicker and easier than waiting the one to three years it can take to go to trial.
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 help prove your claim.
Settlement or Trial
Most cases settle. Often, the threat of losing becomes real once discovery is complete. If it doesn't settle, Matt will be prepared to take your case to trial and fight for you - unlike most attorneys, Matt enjoys and looks forward to trial.
Why Matt for Civil Litigation
Trial Experience
Matt is an experienced trial attorney with a successful record built over 26+ years. 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
There are circumstances and cases where a contingency fee is appropriate. In those cases, Matt doesn't get paid unless he wins your case.
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 unlawful termination, violation of civil rights, or whistleblower cases) 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.
This is a difficult question to answer because each case type is different. A breach of contract or partition-of-assets case may take a year or so, while a violation of civil rights is more complex and can have issues that take up to three years. 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.