Resolving Disputes. Enforcing Your Rights.
Not every legal battle is corporate. When an individual, business, or insurance company wrongs you, the civil court system is your path to justice. We provide the aggressive advocacy you need to navigate the legal process and secure a favorable outcome.
Your Advocate in the Civil System
Civil litigation covers a broad spectrum of non-criminal legal disputes. Whether a contractor took your money and abandoned the job, a neighbor is damaging your property, or someone is spreading lies that hurt your reputation, you have legal recourse.
At Saffold Law, we represent plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts. We understand that for an individual, a lawsuit is stressful and personal. Our goal is to shoulder that burden for you, using the law to compel the other side to make things right.
The "Pro Se" Trap (Why You Need Counsel)
Many individuals think they can handle civil disputes alone to save money, especially in Justice of the Peace courts. This is often a fatal mistake.
The judge cannot give you legal advice.
If you miss a filing deadline, fail to properly admit your evidence because you don’t know the Rules of Evidence, or draft a petition incorrectly, your case can be dismissed with prejudice—meaning you can never file it again. We ensure your case survives procedural hurdles so your story gets heard.
The Clock is Ticking (Statute of Limitations)
In Texas, if you wait too long to sue, you lose your rights forever.
- Defamation: You generally only have 1 year to file suit.
- Personal Injury/Torts: You typically have 2 years.
- Breach of Contract: You typically have 4 years.
Waiting “to see if they pay” can destroy your case. We file immediately to preserve your claim.
Types of Civil Cases We Handle
We handle a wide variety of disputes affecting individuals and families.
1. Consumer Protection (DTPA Claims)
The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) is a powerful law that protects consumers from false, misleading, or deceptive acts.
- Bad Contractors: If a roofer or builder lied about their work or warranty.
- Auto Fraud: If a dealership sold you a lemon or rolled back an odometer.
- False Advertising: If a product did not perform as promised.
- Note: Successful DTPA claims can result in triple damages.
2. Individual Breach of Contract
Contracts aren’t just for big businesses. We litigate:
- Renovation Disputes: When home improvements go wrong.
- Personal Loans: Suing to recover money you lent to a “friend” who refuses to pay it back.
- Service Agreements: When you paid for a service (wedding planner, consultant) that was never delivered.
3. Defamation (Libel & Slander)
Your reputation is valuable. If someone publishes false statements about you (on social media or in print) that damage your career or standing in the community, we can sue for:
- Libel: Written defamation.
- Slander: Spoken defamation.
- Removal: Obtaining court orders to force the takedown of the posts.
4. Property Damage (Torts)
If someone’s negligence damaged your property (but didn’t necessarily injure you), you can sue for the cost of repairs.
- Vehicle Damage: Diminished value claims after a wreck.
- Home Damage: Neighbors cutting down your trees or flooding your yard.
5. Restraining Orders & Injunctions
Sometimes you need immediate protection. We file for Civil Restraining Orders to stop harassment, stalking, or the unauthorized use of your private property.
What We Fight For (Your Remedies)
The goal of civil litigation is to make the victim “whole” again.
- Monetary Damages: Compensation for financial losses, repair costs, and emotional distress.
- Treble Damages: Under the DTPA, if the defendant acted knowingly, you may be entitled to three times your actual damages.
- Specific Performance: Forcing the other party to fulfill their contractual promise.
- Injunctive Relief: A court order stopping a specific behavior (like stopping a neighbor from draining water onto your land).
How We Build Your Strategy
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1. The Demand Letter
We start by drafting a formal legal demand outlining the facts and the law. In many civil disputes, a strong letter from a law firm is enough to trigger a settlement negotiation without filing a lawsuit.
2. The Evidence Gathering
We collect texts, emails, contracts, and photos. In civil court, the standard of proof is “Preponderance of the Evidence” (more likely than not), so documentation is key.
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3. Mediation & Trial
Most civil cases are required to go to mediation before trial. We are skilled negotiators who fight for a fair settlement, but if the other side refuses to be reasonable, we are ready to present your case to a jury.
Don't Let Them Get Away With It.
If you have been wronged, the law provides a remedy—but strict deadlines (Statutes of Limitation) apply. Contact Saffold Law to discuss your legal options.